5 Reds prospects to watch at Double-A Chattanooga in 2023

2. Reds prospects to watch at Double-A Chattanooga in 2023: Noelvi Marte

There is a lot to like about Cincinnati Reds infield prospect Noelvi Marte. It sounds as if the front office and coaching staff are all-in on transforming Marte into a third baseman, which, in the long run, will benefit the club greatly.

Cincinnati has more than enough shortstops at the moment. The club is heading into 2023 with Jose Barrero and Kevin Newman in the major leagues, while Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain are licking their chops in anticipation of joining the big league club.

While Spencer Steer will be given a chance to be the team's everyday third baseman this season, recent reports suggest that Nick Senzel may be getting a few reps at the hot corner once he's fully healthy.

But in reality, while both Steer and Senzel are fine players, Marte possesses something that neither of the other two has - massice pop. Marte showed off his strength from the right side of the dish during his 2022 minor-league season, in the Arizona Fall League, and this spring as well.

Noelvi Marte needs to make the leap to Triple-A by the end of the 2023 season and could be a candidate to earn a September call-up later this season. Marte has a good eye at the plate, and if he keeps his strikeout-rate, the sky's the limit for the 21-year-old.