The Los Angeles Dodgers are always on the lookout to add depth and talent to their organization, and that becomes more apparent when they can add a player with former top prospect pedigree.
Sometimes it has worked out, as was the case last season with Anthony Banda and Brent Honeywell, where the players end up making an impact. Other times, those targets have faded away, such as Travis Swaggerty.
Michael Chavis was a former well-regarded prospect with MLB experience whom the Dodgers brought in on a Minor League contract during the offseason, and they’ve now added another player who fits the same mold.
According to Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase, the Dodgers signed Nick Senzel to a Minor League contract:
Former 1st-round pick Nick Senzel is in agreement on a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, sources tell @ElExtrabase.
Senzel, 29, had a 1.790 OPS with 3 HR and 10 RBI in 10 games with @LaredosTecos in the Mexican League.
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) April 26, 2025
Senzel was the second overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2016 MLB Draft, and he quickly rose through the prospect rankings. By 2017, Senzel was ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 26 prospect in the league. In 2018, he rose to No. 7 overall and he moved up one more spot in 2019.
Senzel ended up making his MLB debut during that 2019 season, appearing in 104 games while hitting .256/.315/.427 with 12 home runs, 55 runs scored, 42 RBI and 14 stolen bases.
But from there, things started to go down hill. Senzel has been severely limited by injuries, including a torn labrum at the end of his 2019 season, and missing one month in 2020 with an undisclosed injury, plus a knee issue that forced him to miss almost two months in 2021 that still wasn’t fully healed upon his return.
Senzel was never able to get back on track, and that led to the Reds releasing him in 2023 before he signed with the Washington Nationals in the offseason.
But as his luck had gone, Senzel suffered a broken right thumb during pregame warmups on Opening Day. He played in just 64 games for the Nationals before he was released in July.
Senzel also spent some time with the Chicago White Sox in 2024 before getting was released late in the season, and he began 2025 by playing with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League.
Over his career, Senzel has hit .232/.299/.363 with 40 home runs, 200 runs scored, 143 RBI and 33 stolen bases with a 76 wRC+. What Senzel has done well in his career, however, is hit left-handed pitching with a 103 career wRC+ and a .271/.326/.446 slash line against them.
The 29-year-old has also seen time at second base, third base and all three outfield spots with the majority of his innings coming in center field.
Nick Senzel’s role with Dodgers?
Senzel should report to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he will serve as organizational depth. Should the Dodgers deal with injuries, he could spend some time at the Major League level.
Considering Max Muncy’s struggles against left-handed pitching, Senzel could also figure to be a platoon option at third base if the Dodgers feel the need for a different approach there.
However, that seems more unlikely to happen, given the already-crowded roster.
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