Chastised Reds infielder wisely opts to forgo WBC Qualifier in search of roster spot

Many fans throughout Reds Country gave up on Noelvi Marte last season. One of the top prospects in the Cincinnati Reds farm system heading into 2024, Marte was busted for PED use prior to the start of the season and was promptly suspended for the first 80 games.

Marte's return from suspension was a disaster. After showing so much promise during his September debut in 2023, Marte hit just .210/.248/.301 last season, and was one of the worst defenders in the league. It was a year to forget for Marte.

So it should come as no surprise that the 23-year-old turned down the opportunity to participate in the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifier. According to MLB insider Francys Romero, Marte withdrew his name from consideration to join Team Spain for the WBC Qualifier in Taiwan next month. That's arguably the smartest thing Marte's done over the past 12 months.

Noelvi Marte wisely forgoes 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifier in search of Reds Opening Day roster spot

While playing in the WBC is viewed as a tremendous honor, no player on the Reds roster needs excesive reps in spring training more than Marte. With new manager Terry Francona at the helm, and a talented group of infielders headed to Goodyear, Marte will have to outperform a plethora of individuals to even sniff an opportunity to land on the Reds Opening Day roster.

While there's no obvious candidate to be the Reds Opening Day third baseman, Spencer Steer, Jeimer Candelario, Gavin Lux, and Matt McLain all have the upper hand on Marte. Even Christian Encarnacion-Strand could be given a look at the hot corner once spring training begins.

Marte dismissing the WBC in favor of Reds spring training was a no-brainer, but his path back to the big leagues is anything but simple. Given Marte's struggles in the Dominican Winter League last year, one has to wonder if he'll even start the year in Triple-A. Extended spring training, or even a return to Double-A could be in order.

Everyone deserves a second chance, and Marte will get his. But the young infielder will have to have a mammoth showing in Cactus League play this spring in order to stick on the Reds Opening Day roster.

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