When Noelvi Marte served a suspension for PED use and then produced a -1.8 bWAR season, the Cincinnati Reds were likely concerned that the former top prospect was a bust. He had once been the future of the franchise, marching his way up Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list from 92nd in 2020 to 23rd prior to 2024. All that promise seemed wasted until now. This season, Marte is reversing not only his fortunes, but potentially those of the franchise.
For over a year now, the Reds have cast about for a power bat that can man right field.