Don't expect the Reds newest addition to remain at shortstop

Get excited, Reds Country! The Cincinnati Reds are building for the future. While many fans are more concerned with the now, it can be fun to dream upon what might be in the coming years.

On Friday, the Reds traded Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners and in return received four highly-touted prospects. The most widely recognized name was Noelvi Marte, a shortstop who'll likely join the Dayton Dragons very soon.

However, don't look for Marte to remain at shortstop for very long. So far, that's the only position that he's played as a professional, but it's very likely we'll see Marte line up in the outfield or at third base before becoming a big leaguer.

Don't be surprised to see the Reds newest addition switch positions.

It's not that the Cincinnati Reds have too many shortstops in their farm system; though that is a very true statement. Jose Barrero, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Jose Torres all play shortstop for the Reds organization. But that's not the reason that Noelvi Marte will eventually be asked to change positions.

While Marte has the athleticism to play the position, he committed 30 errors at shortstop in 2021 while playing at both Low-A (29) and High-A (1). So far this season, Marte has 24 miscues charged to his account. Contrast that with the 14 errors De La Cruz has committed this season. McLain has eight, seven of which have come while playing shortstop.

Those numbers are not good and would lead one to believe that Marte might fare better manning a position that doesn't require the precision required to play shortstop. Perhaps a switch to third base or even the outfield will be on the horizon for Marte.

If all of the Cincinnati Reds' young shortstop prospects do indeed make it to The Show, a handful will have to change positions anyway. At this moment, there's no need for the Reds to upset the apple cart, but change will undoubtedly be coming if Marte cannot overcome his defensive deficiencies.