Ke'Bryan Hayes trade triggers Reds’ expected decision with former top prospect

The Cincinnati Reds began to implement their trade deadline plans on Wednesday with the acquisition of Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes. The Reds sent left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura to the Pirates as payment for Hayes, and now have a Gold Glove third baseman locking down the hot corner for the next half-decade.

But what does that mean for former top prospect (and current third baseman) Noelvi Marte? Well, if you had any questions about his long-term future, Terry Francona's lineup for Wednesday night's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers gave you a hint.

The Reds will run Marte out to right field for just his second Major League start in the outfield. He's seen a few other opportunities to log some time in right, but still has just eight innings of work manning what's going to be his new position moving forward. Reds fans should expect Marte to split time in the outfield with Jake Fraley and Will Benson.

Ke'Bryan Hayes trade triggers Reds’ expected decision with Noelvi Marte

This plan has been in the works for a few weeks at this point, but with Hayes officially on the Reds roster, Marte's presence at third base is no longer necessary. Hayes has yet to arrive in Cincinnati ahead of the team's finale against the Dodgers, and Santiago Espinal got the nod at third base.

Unlike Hayes, Marte's defense at third base has been suspect since his Major League debut in 2023. Marte had a rough go of it, both offensively and defensively in 2024, and Reds fans have seen multiple miscues from the 23-year-old this season.

Marte's athletic ability and superior arm strength should aid in his transition to the outfield. While coming up through the Reds farm system, Marte possessed both an above-average arm and speed. According to Baseball Savant, Marte is among the 92nd percentile in sprint speed this season.

Francona has been preaching defense all season long, and by the look of things at the moment, he means it. Adding Hayes definitely upgrades the overall team defense, and moving Marte to the outfield permanently could do the same.

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