Noelvi Marte's slow start could open the door for a dangerous Reds bat

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Noelvi Marte has gotten off to a slow start to begin the 2026 season. In some ways, it's been a continuation of a subpar spring training. There was even some questions about Marte's work ethic this spring with manager Terry Francona saying he and the coaching staff met with the outfielder and gave him a "nudge" midway through camp.

Marte is still a work in progress. The 24-year-old was a top prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization before being traded to the Reds in 2022. He was popped with an 80-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs in 2024 and made the transition from third base to right field last season. In 195 career games, he's hit just .251/.293/.396 with 21 home runs and 84 RBI. But the raw talent is there.

Rece Hinds could quickly replace Noelvi Marte in the Reds outfield

Rece Hinds, however, has been on a tear ever since spring training. The slugger abused opposing pitchers during spring training to the tune of .410/.465/.949 with five home runs and 11 RBI. He was one of the final roster cuts Francona made before the team boarded a plane to Cincinnati.

Hinds was assigned to Triple-A to begin the season, and he's shined since arriving in the Derby City. In his first four games for the Louisville Bats, Hinds is 8-for-15 with a triple, a homer, and seven RBI.

More impressive, however, is the fact that he's only struck out four times and has also drawn four walks. If he keeps this up, the Reds may have no choice but to give Hinds another chance to prove himself in the big leagues.

If and when Cincinnati recalls Hinds back to the majors, he has to be in the lineup every day — something both John Sadak and Barry Larkin discussed during a recent Reds' broadcast. One of the biggest reasons Hinds was optioned to Triple-A in the first place was the lack of at-bats he'd receive if he was on the active roster.

But if Marte continues to flounder, don't be surprised if the Reds quickly shift gears and option him to the minors in favor of Hinds. The Reds could then deploy Hinds in right field on a regular basis and allow him to split time with Will Benson as needed.

It's still incredibly early in the season, and it's illogical to make snap judgements based solely on one week's worth of ABs. But Hinds has been mashing baseballs since he arrived in Goodyear back in February, and hasn't stopped. The Reds had a quick hook for both Benson and Jacob Hurtubise last season. Marte may be on a short leash this season.