The solution to Reds' sluggish start may be in Triple-A, but it's not Will Benson

The Cincinnati Reds sent a message when they demoted third baseman Noelvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville — and now Marte is sending one of his own right back.

In just six games, Marte is scorching hot, racking up 10 hits in 24 at-bats, driving in four runs and swiping two bags while slashing .417/.482/.625. If the Reds were hoping to light a fire under the former top prospect, consider the mission accomplished.

Marte, of course, was the crown jewel in the quartet of prospects Cincinnati landed from the Seattle Mariners in the 2022 trade deadline deal for ace Luis Castillo. He offered Reds fans a taste of his potential in a short 2023 stint, batting .316 with three home runs and 15 RBIs over just 35 games — a small sample, but an exciting one.

Reds' solution to sluggish start could be former top prospect Noelvi Marte

However, 2024 brought turbulence. A PED suspension derailed his season before it could begin, and when he did return, his performance was inconsistent to say the least. The struggles carried into spring training 2025, and by Opening Day, the Reds had no choice but to send him back to Triple-A to refine his game.

Cincinnati’s offense is reeling. The Reds have dropped three straight games with identical 1-0 scores — a shocking streak of offensive inefficiency. Outside of one early-season outburst, the bats are ice cold. The timing of Marte’s hot start couldn't be more convenient, especially considering his familiarity with the big-league club. But where would he fit?

That’s where recent addition Gavin Lux becomes a key piece of the puzzle. The former Los Angeles Dodger has brought much-needed versatility to the Reds, bouncing between the infield and outfield. With Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz firmly entrenched up the middle, the Reds could slide Lux into left field — a spot that’s thin with Spencer Steer limited and Austin Hays sidelined.

There’s an open door at third base, where neither Jeimer Candelario nor Santiago Espinal has seized control due to their lack of offensive production. Plugging Marte into the hot corner injects a sense of urgency — something Cincinnati’s lineup is clearly lacking right now. Plus, with his positional flexibility, Marte could also spell the middle infield if necessary.

The Reds don’t have the luxury of patience in a competitive NL Central. Marte has already proven he can hit major-league pitching, and if his current Triple-A tear is any indication, he’s not far off from doing it again.

If the Reds want to jolt their offense and stay in the hunt, calling up Marte might not just be the right move — it might be the necessary one.

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