Noelvi Marte's Winter League struggles could force Reds into unsettling scenario

Things are not going the way that the Cincinnati Reds had hoped for at the hot corner. As the Reds look to continue building a strong roster for the 2025 campaign, the organization was holding out hope that third base would be locked down internally.

But things are not going according to plan, unfortunately. Cincinnati was hoping that Noelvi Marte would blossom into a star, and although he still has the opportunity to reach that point, it doesn't appear like that's in the cards at the moment. Marte shot himself in the foot after testing positive for PEDs, and since then, nothing has quite clicked for the 23-year-old infielder.

Marte hit only .210 with a .549 OPS during the 2025 regular season with just four home runs. He didn't end the year on a great note, either. Marte's power completely disappeared and he walked away with zero home runs in September. The Reds, as a result, sent him to the Dominican Winter League to get some more reps in, and ideally improve where needed.

Noelvi Marte's Winter League struggles could force Reds into unsettling scenario

Marte has not played exceptionally well in the Winter League, clipping an OPS below .650 and multiple fielding errors at third base across 20-plus games. The power has been lacking, although one of the homers Marte got a hold of was absolutely crushed.

If Marte's downward trend continues, expect to see him begin the year in Triple-A. The Reds might then have no other choice but to start Jeimer Candelario at third base to begin the season. As bad as Marte has been on the field lately, opting for Candelario is not much better.

Candelario registered a negative bWAR (-0.7) with the Reds in 112 games last year in his age-30 season. He posted a 90 OPS+ behind 20 home runs and 23 doubles. The power was there in spurts, but his consistency was a struggle. Candelario hit .290 in June with a jaw-dropping eight home runs, but his prowess abruptly disappeared before missing the final of the month of the season due to a toe fracture. Candelario was just 30-for-154 (.195) in July and August, a shocking drop-off after a promising month; though his lower body injuries definitely could have played a role.

It's difficult to see the Reds relying on Candelario at the hot corner next season. He has not been consistent enough to guarantee himself a spot in the everyday lineup, but Cincinnati might not have a choice. He's owed $15 million next season, and Reds fans will probably have to stomach the team's subpar situation at third base.

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