Reds infielder Noelvi Marte had a loud, yet brief first MLB season in 2023 when he hit .316 with three home runs over the final month. However, the Reds won’t have their budding star for 80 games in 204 thanks to a PED suspension. With Noelvi Marte out, here’s a look at several fantasy baseball replacements for the 2024 campaign.
Replacement players for Marte
Here’s a look at potential replacement targets for Noelvi Marte, with ownership percentages based upon Yahoo!’s 12-team, 5×5 format:
- Ryan McMahon (owned in 55% of leagues as of March 8)
- Luis Rengifo (49%)
- Colt Keith (19%)
- Willi Castro (13%)
- Jon Berti (12%)
Ownership numbers as of March 8, 2024.
For those just in need of an infielder for a utility spot, Zach Neto is trending up. Additionally, Orlando Arcia, Brendan Donovan, and Whit Merrifield are options. Arcia, though, is only eligible for shortstop.
McMahon would be the most tempting target, given his power and the hitter-friendly confines. Still, McMahon can be a frustrating player to own at times, despite the fact he’s had three straight 20+ home run campaigns. McMahon got hot in May after a slow April but batted just .211 after the All-Star break.
Luis Rengifo, on the other hand, has seen his offensive production rise in recent years. Rengifo posted a career-high 111 OPS+ last season and fell just short of a career-high in home runs (16). Had Rengifo not ruptured a bicep last season, he might have broken it.
As for Berti and Castro, neither has the power upside that Marte possesses. However, the two are both good stolen base options. Castro finished tenth in the Majors in stolen bases (33) last year and can play multiple positions. Berti stole just 16 in 2023 but did accrue an MLB-high 41 two years ago.
What about Marte?
Obviously, hold on to Marte. However, those who have drafted and owned Marte will have to do a line dance of sorts.
While the Reds should be fine thanks to their depth in the infield, including Jonathan India, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Elly De La Cruz, among others, the loss of Marte is tough for fantasy owners.
The 22-year-old had legitimate 20-20 potential thanks to very good speed, solid power, and a friendly hitting environment in Cincinnati. While Marte’s overall value has slipped, though, he’s still very much valuable for the stretch run.
And for those who have yet to draft, push Marte down on the board — significantly. Marte won’t become an option until June when his 80-game suspension ends.