3 Reds players who should not receive a September call-up

Reds infielder Noelvi Marte should not receive September call-up.

If the Cincinnati Reds were out of contention, I'd be all for this move. But the fact of the matters is that the Reds are in the playoff hunt. Rather than adding developing prospects who could use a taste of the major leagues, this team needs to add contributors to help put them over the top.

That's meant as no disrespect to Noelvi Marte. The former Seattle Mariners farmhand has shown why he was so coveted by the Cincinnati front office at last year's trade deadline. Marte, Edwin Arroyo, Andrew Moore, and Levi Stoudt were all part of the return that netted the M's Luis Castillo.

Marte saw plenty of time at Double-A Chattanooga this season and received a call-up to Triple-A earlier this summer. The 21-year-old has shown a very patient approach at the dish and his power numbers are beginning to trend in a very positive direction as well.

The Cincinnati Reds have brought along several infield prospects already this season. Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand are already jockeying for playing time, plus the Reds still have Jonathan India, Nick Senzel, and Joey Votto on the active roster.

There's no need to overcrowd the roster with another young player who needs reps. Now that minor league season extends into September, Noelvi Marte will receive more playing time in Triple-A than he would in the majors this season. However, look for Marte to be on the Reds Opening Day roster in 2024.