Reds spring training plan for Noelvi Marte could change everything

The 2025 season was one of transition for Noelvi Marte. His talent has been undeniable, but it has only appeared in spurts. When the Cincinnati Reds shifted him to right field last year, things seemed to start clicking.

That isn't to say the move from the hot corner to the outfield was always seamless, but the 24-year-old made some incredible plays out on the grass, providing hope that this new home could work after he struggled mightily with the glove at third base over his short big league career.

Overall, Marte logged 437⅓ innings in right, posting -1 outs above average (OAA). As he gains more comfort, his physical gifts that include 89th percentile sprint speed and 93rd percentile arm strength, figure to further brighten his defensive outlook.

In fact, those raw tools seem too good to be stuck in right field, and the Cincinnati Reds might have a new plan for the key youngster, with Nick Krall hinting that Marte could soon see some time in center field.

Nick Krall hints at a move to center field for Noelvi Marte, which could give the Reds a huge boost

Marte got a very brief look in center last season, logging just eight innings and making a big misplay on a Miguel Rojas drive in a matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. A rough game isn't enough to end the experiment, however.

When asked about the prospect of Marte playing center field during an appearance on Reds Hot Stove League, Krall had the following to say.

"I think, he's obviously a top-of-the-line runner. So, as a game changer, and I don't want to discount TJ (Friedl) either, not at all. I think you're going to see some of these guys go and say, okay, well, what's the best you know who can who can do this? Who can't do this? And you know, when you look at Marte, he played two months in the big leagues, well two months in his career in right field, and they were in the big leagues after basically taking some shagging some balls for a while."

There's the biggest point. Marte got thrown into the fire with a position change in the middle of a playoff run during the second-half stretch. Despite the high stakes, he didn't flounder even if there were some early growing pains.

This would be different. This means he'll have the time to work through learning center field during spring training, in a low-pressure environment. With lesser stakes, we could soon see him thrive based on those elite physical traits.

That could be a real game-changer for Cincinnati. There are things to like about Friedl, but his middling athletic profile and poor arm strength hold him back from being a great center fielder. His sprint speed ranks in the 32nd percentile, while his arm strength is a 40th percentile tool.

Marte excelling in center would allow Friedl to work in left field, where his arm isn't as much of an issue, and his knack for reads and routes can really flourish. Having a potentially rangy partner in center would take pressure off of him even more.

The potential for Marte covering a lot of ground in center could also improve the performance in right field as well. The Eugenio Suarez signing was big for the offense, but it might hurt the defense by pushing Spencer Steer, a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman, to right field, where he is capable but below average.

The whole could be greater than the sum of its parts, however, and if this clicks for Marte, it could elevate the Reds' defense further. That will make Terry Francona very happy, but it will also allow him to write out a lineup card without having to worry about the defense falling off.

It's no guarantee that this will work, but giving the promising youngster the run in spring training to figure it out comes with a ton of upside and literally no drawbacks.