This Reds prospect has leapfrogged Noelvi Marte as the third baseman of the future

While one Cincinnati Reds prospect is already being cast off to start the season, another is basking in the opportunity to climb the depth chart. Noelvi Marte, the Reds top prospect last spring, has seen a long line of struggles recently, is all but assured to begin the 2025 season in the minor leagues.

While Marte continues to develop, another third base hopeful has his chance to impress new Reds manager Terry Francona. Sal Stewart, one of the Reds' top prospects according to most outlets, could be Cincinnati's third baseman of the future. Following a strong, but abbreviated, 2024 campaign at High-A Dayton, the 21-year-old has already showing off this spring.

Look for Reds prospect Sal Stewart to leapfrog Noelvi Marte on the depth chart

In the bottom of the eighth inning in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, Stewart muscled a 415-foot solo homer to right-center field. It was his first home run of the spring, and has gone 2-for-5 in Cactus League play thus far.

Stewart clearly hits the ball hard, and that translated into eight home runs, 23 doubles, and one triple last year with the Dayton Dragons. He hit .279 with a .391 on-base percentage and was named to the Midwest League All-Star roster before hitting the injured list in mid-July with a wrist injury that necessitated surgery.

His hitting prowess stands out, but his defense has also been solid. Stewart is not the fastest player on the diamond, but his natural athleticism and savvy footwork projects him to be a good fielder in the majors. While a lot of projections assume he'll play second base, he's also receiving reps at third.

It would appear, for the moment, Stewart has surpassed Marte in the race to become the next Reds' infielder. Don't look for Jeimer Candelario or Christian Encarnacion-Strand to give way this spring. Even Gavin Lux might get some burn at third base, so there's no need to rush Stewart to the big leagues. But, if Stewart continues to produce at a high level, the hot corner could be his in the very near future.

So what does this mean for Marte? If his struggles continue, his trade value all but evaporates. If he improves, even just a little, perhaps Cincinnati could consider trading Marte for another organizational need, such as a reliever. Either way, Marte's days as the next Reds' third baseman appear to be fading quickly.

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