What to Expect from Reds Infielder Noelvi Marte

The Reds built a deep farm system in recent years, and Cincinnati’s been able to reap the benefits of that work in 2023. Now, another piece to the Reds’ future has made it to the Majors. Cincinnati summoned infielder Noelvi Marte from the Minors, just a little over a year after the Reds acquired him. Here’s a closer look at Marte.

A Look at Marte

The Reds traded star right-hander Luis Castillo to the Mariners in the summer of 2022. The Mariners were looking for an ace to pair with the team’s young starters, but paid a hefty price for Castillo. Seattle traded two high-end infielders in Edwin Arroyo and Noelvi Marte as part of the Mariners’ deal with Cincinnati.

Marte was the closest to the Majors out of the two, as he was in A+ at the time of the deal. This season between Chattanooga (AA) and Louisville (AAA), Marte hit .279/.358/.454 with 11 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and 35 extra base hits across 92 games.

Scouting reports have highlighted Marte’s power, which MLB.com projects will be a 60 grade when it’s all said and done. Marte hit 47 home runs and 124 extra base hits over his last three seasons, and the strength and bat speed he can generate is evident on video.

The 21-year-old does have the chance to be a top-of-the-order hitter at the MLB level. Marte’s career OBP of .367 in the Minors should give fans an indication of what kind of player he can be: a hitter that can work counts and hit for power.

Defensively, Marte’s played most of his games at short in his Minor League career. But, the majority of his games on 2023 have been at third.

Reds infielder Kevin Newman landed on the IL as a corresponding move. Marte is not the first highly-touted infielder to head to Cincinnati this season. The Reds promoted infielders Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz earlier in the year.

What it Means for the Reds and Fantasy Outlook

The Reds have dealt with a number of injuries to the infield in recent weeks. Aside from Newman out with a left oblique strain, 2B Jonathan India is out with a plantar fascia tear in his left foot. He’s out until at least early September.

Marte now has the chance to not only get time with a Reds team that’s pushing towards a playoff spot, but also play for a spot on the 2024 roster. The Reds are set to return an infield that includes India, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Spencer Steer. But if Marte can find a groove in Cincinnati, trade rumors around someone like India will likely continue.

As far as Marte’s fantasy outlook is concerned, the young infielder’s got the chance to be a 20-20 player in the Majors. However, one thing to consider is how much time the 21-year-old will get with the Reds. He’s going to play, but how much will affect his short-term value.