Reds’ third base nightmare might finally end with Noelvi Marte’s return

The Cincinnati Reds’ hole at third base has been evident since Opening Day, and despite a couple of hot streaks by Santiago Espinal and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, the issue isn’t getting any better.

Cincinnati has a league-worst 55 wRC+ from its third basemen this season, according to FanGraphs. The return of Noelvi Marte couldn’t come at a better time, but if he can’t quickly produce solid results, the Reds may need to turn to external options to address the hot corner.

Marte is in the final days of his rehab from an oblique strain, and he doesn’t seem to have taken a step back. Marte has produced a .913 OPS over his first seven rehab games between Rookie ball and Double-A Chattanooga. That hot bat and Marte’s competent defense is the perfect antidote to the Reds’ third base troubles.

The pressure is on Noelvi Marte to solve the Reds’ dreadful third-base situation

Since Marte went on the IL in late May, the Reds have relied on a tandem of Encarnacion-Strand and Espinal. The pair plays multiple positions, but their worst outings have come as third basemen. When manning the hot corner, the duo has a .224 on-base percentage and a .251 slugging percentage. They haven’t been much better with the glove. Espinal has a plus-1 fielding value, but much of that derives from his slick fielding at second base.

Marte won’t be able to fully right the ship on his own. He isn’t the best defender in his own right, although he has been working to improve. He can be a spark plug, though; his 132 wRC+ is the highest among current Reds players. (Departed catcher Austin Wynns led the club with 212.) Even if Marte produces a wRC+ more in line with his projections (85-90), he would be an improvement over the current options.

In the long run, the Reds just need to find a third baseman who can hold down the position for the time being. Top prospects Sal Stewart and Cam Collier are creeping through the system and could break into the majors next season.

The Reds are looking for a player that will help the team keep pace in the NL Wild Card race while they plan for the future. Marte could easily fill that role even if he doesn’t emerge as the star he was once projected to be.

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