Reds' Noelvi Marte predicted for 'bigger opportunity' before Triple-A decision
Reds' Noelvi Marte predicted for 'bigger opportunity' before Triple-A decision originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Cincinnati Reds optioned outfielder/third baseman Noelvi Marte to Triple-A on Monday , recalling outfielder Rece Hinds in the process.
Marte, a former top prospect with the Seattle Mariners , went just 4-for-29 with no extra-base hits and 10 strikeouts in 31 trips to the plate.
Before the Reds made the move, FanSided's Zachary Rotman argued that the 24-year-old from the Dominican Republic deserved a bigger role with the NL Central club.
"Admittedly, Marte has gotten off to a sluggish start, as he's gone just 4-for-25 with nine strikeouts, but some of that can presumably be attributed to a lack of consistency when it comes to playing time," Rotman wrote Sunday, before the Reds optioned Marte to Triple-A.
After receiving inconsistent playing time in the Majors, Marte will head back to the minors to get everyday at-bats. He could easily be a significant contributor later in the season. In 90 games last season, Marte hit .263/.300/.448 with a career high 14 home runs and 51 RBIs.
An increase in playing time, following an 80-game suspension in 2024 for performance-enhancing drugs, helped him reach those numbers.
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"It's on Marte to prove he should be playing, but he should've been considered a regular to begin with," Rotman added. "Going from hitting second routinely to out of the lineup often doesn't make much sense."
Whether it makes sense or not, Marte's impact on the Reds in 2026 will include a stint in the minors. Cincinnati feels this is the best way to boost his confidence in the batter's box.
