Reds' curious interest in Gleyber Torres shows lack of faith in former top prospect

Although the move did not go through, the Cincinnati Reds' interest in Gleyber Torres spoke volumes as to where they stand heading into 2025. The former New York Yankees All-Star ultimately signed with the Detroit Tigers, but the Reds checked in on him as the club is searching for their next third baseman...You heard that right.

While it might not have come to fruition, the speculation was that Cincinnati was considering signing Torres to play third base in 2025. As for the current third baseman on the Reds' roster, this is not a good sign.

Noelvi Marte was supposed to be the Reds' third baseman of the future, but his alarming struggles in 2024 might just force Cincinnati to keep the 23-year-old on ice in the minor leagues next season.

Reds' interest in former Yankees All-Star Gleyber Torres shows lack of faith in Noelvi Marte

Marte was cited for PED use and served an 80-game suspension this past season, but his poor performance on the field upon his return stood out more than his violation. During his tuneup with the Louisville Bats last summer, Marte hit just .151 with 15 strikeouts. He then posted a .549 OPS in 66 games in the big leagues last season alongside 75 strikeouts while racking up just four home runs.

Marte was sent to the Dominican Winter League this year in hopes of getting more reps and continuing his development at the plate. But in just over 30 games, he's barely a .200 hitter with two homers.

Marte hasn't done much to make the Reds front office feel at ease about where his career is headed. But seeing the team's interest in Torres is all one needs to understand Nick Krall's level of comfort heading into 2025. It's not a good sign, and probably won't stop at Torres, either.

The Reds seem to be pretty serious about winning next season, so it shouldn't be a surprise to see Cincinnati pursuing other infielders on the market to play third base. Right now, if it's not Marte, the Reds would internally look to Jeimer Candelario. Between Candelario's performance in 2024 and Marte's struggles over the past year, it's no wonder that Krall is kicking the tires on adding an extra infielder this offseason.

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