In an interview on the Reds Hot Stove podcast, Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, discussed Noelvi Marte’s performance and future with the team following a disappointing 2024 season. Marte, who was expected to be a major contributor for the Reds, had a challenging year, especially after serving an 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug (PED) policy. His struggles continued on the field, as he posted a subpar batting average of just .210 over 66 games. This performance fell short of the team’s expectations, and it was clear that Marte’s year didn’t unfold as hoped.
Krall explained that the Reds had high hopes for Marte at the start of the season. The team believed he was poised to take on the everyday third baseman role and contribute significantly to the lineup. However, his suspension for PEDs placed him behind from the start, and the challenges snowballed as the season went on. Krall noted that while the organization had been optimistic about his potential, Marte’s inability to perform consistently at the major league level in 2024 was a setback for both the player and the team.
Despite these setbacks, Krall shared that the Reds front office had been proactive in encouraging Marte to make improvements over the offseason. The team met with him and set clear expectations for his development. Krall emphasized that the Reds had challenged Marte to focus on improving his game in several key areas: his offensive performance, his defense, his conditioning, and his overall approach to physical fitness. The team felt it was important for Marte to take responsibility for his future, and the organization was hoping to see progress in these areas.
Krall also shared that the Reds had worked closely with Marte, with coaches such as Tito and Brad meeting him in Santo Domingo earlier in the year. According to Krall, Marte had taken the feedback seriously and had been working diligently to get into better shape. He was reportedly focused on trimming down and improving his physical condition in preparation for the next season. Krall expressed optimism that Marte was committed to making the necessary changes to turn his career around, highlighting that the young infielder had shown determination to improve.
Despite these efforts, Krall made it clear that Marte would not be handed a starting job in 2025. The Reds would require him to prove his worth in spring training. “He’s going to have to come in and compete for a spot,” Krall explained, emphasizing that nothing would be given to Marte. This statement was a direct challenge to the player, signaling that the team would not rely solely on past potential or expectations. If Marte wanted to be part of the Reds’ plans, he would need to earn his place on the roster through his performance in spring training. Krall also noted that if Marte didn’t show the improvements needed to secure the starting third baseman position, the Reds would be left to consider other options for that role.
In addition to the challenges he faced during the regular season, Marte’s performance in winter ball has also been less than stellar. In the Dominican Winter League, he has struggled to make an impact, posting a slash line of .221/.299/.325 through 23 games. While he did hit a home run in a recent game, his overall performance in winter ball has mirrored the difficulties he experienced in the major leagues. Krall mentioned that Marte appeared to be experimenting with a new swing, as evidenced by his home run, which was hit with both hands on the bat — a departure from his previous approach. This change could be an attempt to rediscover his form or to make adjustments that he believes will improve his game.
With 2025 approaching, the Reds are in a position where they need Marte to have a successful bounce-back season. His performance will be closely monitored, as the team looks to see if he can fulfill the promise he showed earlier in his career. Krall emphasized that the Reds’ expectations for Marte remain high, but they are fully aware that he needs to make significant strides both offensively and defensively to regain his place as a reliable starter. For the Reds, this offseason represents a crucial period for Marte to prove that he can become the player they once hoped he would be.
In conclusion, the Reds are entering the 2025 season with a clear focus on Noelvi Marte’s development. The team has shown faith in his ability to turn things around but has made it clear that the path to earning a starting spot is not guaranteed. As Marte continues to work on his physical fitness and refine his skills, the Reds will be watching closely to determine whether he can bounce back and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season. The pressure is on Marte to prove that he has the ability to overcome the setbacks of the past and fulfill the potential that made him a highly regarded prospect in the first place.
