Reds have one overlooked reason to give Noelvi Marte another shot

There's a long list of Cincinnati Reds who've underperformed this season, but Noelvi Marte's name has to be somewhere near the top. In August, the 24-year-old was optioned back to Triple-A Louisville for a second time, and barring a catastrophic barrage of injuries over the final week-plus, that's where he's going to spend the remainder of his 2026 campaign.

Marte's hasn't found much success since returning to the Louisville Bats' roster on August 21. He's hitting .282, but with only a 1.1% walk-rate, his on-base percentage is sitting at just .287, and he has an unimpressive .687 OPS in the 22 games he's played since his return.

Marte's undisciplined approach at the dish has led many Reds fans to speculate about his future. The former top prospect is a prime candidate to be non-tendered this coming offseason, but a forgotten contractual twist could keep Marte in Cincinnati for at least one more season.

Most Reds fans will remember that Marte was suspended prior to the start of the 2024 season. He was busted for PED use and it cost 80 games. During his suspension, Marte did not gain any service time.

Moreover, his time in the minor leagues this season does not count toward his Major League service time either. In other words, he won't be in for a pay raise through arbitration, and will only cost the league-minimum heading into 2027.

Noelvi Marte's suspension could strangely give him a reprieve with the Reds

The fact that Marte won't receive a bump in pay could provide just enough motivation for Reds to keep him on the 40-man roster. Despite his struggles this season, there's no denying Marte's physical gifts. His speed and arm strength alone are enough to make him a plus-defender in the outfield. It's the reason why Cincinnati's coaching staff moved him from third base to right field in the first place.

Marte's shortcomings have always come in the batter's box. He has an untenable chase rate (41.2%) and constantly fails to lay off breaking balls that fade low and away. That's a problem, but maybe a change in coaching philosophy — something that's needed next season — can help Marte become a better hitter.

Marte was the prize of the Luis Castillo trade in 2022, and with a minimum salary and minor league options remaining, there should be no rush on the part of the Reds' front office to release him this offseason.

Marte's suspension could strangely give him a reprieve, but he'll need to make the most of his opportunity. He won't get a third chance.

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