Reds’ Gennett would go to outfield if asked

CINCINNATI —Scooter Gennett says he is aware of the Twitter chatter: Should the Cincinnati Reds sign him? Should they trade him?

But he missed this one: Would the Reds consider moving Gennett to the outfield to open second base for top prospect Nick Senzel?

Of course, that is predicated on an outfield opening. The Reds likely will listen to offers for Adam Duvall at the trade deadline. They also nearly traded Billy Hamilton in the offseason.

And on Sunday, manager Jim Riggleman said: “We’re getting great production out of our infield; we’ve got to get it out of other spots.”

Gennett played 17 games in the outfield for the Reds last year. So would he consider the outfield as part of signing with the long-term?

“It’s an interesting question,” he said. “Last year, I was open to playing multiple positions and not really having a lot of time to practice them. It was a little tough. I think I can handle anything they want and can throw my way.

“Would I want it? No. I would agree with it in the sense of who is better or who is more suited for the position, but I don’t think I would (want to). But, if that’s what they wanted, I’d do it.”

Gennett, 28, will be eligible for arbitration for the third time after this season. He will make in the $10 million range, and that looks like a bargain given his offensive production.

He has backed up last year’s 27-homer, 97-RBI year with better numbers so far this season. He is hitting .342 with the 12 homers and 41 RBI and was just named National League player of the month for May.

He certainly has a claim to second base. But Senzel will need a place to play soon, and he has been playing second in the minors.

“They have control of me for this year and next year,” Gennett said. “Whatever they want, I’d do it and embrace it. If it gets him up here and getting his bat in the lineup, I’d be fine with it.”