Cincinnati Reds top prospect, Elly De La Cruz, made his long-awaited MLB debut three weeks ago. Throughout his time in the big leagues, he has sparked the team. In the 18 games the Reds have played since Cruz was placed on the roster, the team has gone 14-4. Cruz during that time has posted a slash line of .333/.395/.594 for a wRC+ of 159.
It’s safe to say the Elly De La Cruz effect has settled in nicely for Cincinnati. Now the Reds find themselves in an interesting position. The Reds are in first place in the division by a half-game. This is the latest the Reds have held the top spot inside the NL Central since 2012. That year also was the last time the team was crowned division champions. As the Reds have promoted a handful of their top prospects already this season (Cruz, McClain, Abbott) their new prospect rankings look a bit different.
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Could Reds Top Prospect Noelvi Marte Join the Team in 2023?
MLB Pipeline recently released their updated Top 100 prospect list. Although Elly De La Cruz is still listed as the number one Reds prospect, you can guarantee he will spend enough time in the big leagues to eventually graduate. With that being said, the team’s second-ranked prospect, Noelvi Marte, can now be viewed as the best prospect in Cincinnati’s organization. Marte received a bit of a bump from the last MLB Top 100 list, moving from 23rd up to 19th. The 21-year-old shortstop not only moved up the ranks of MLB’s rankings but was also given an organizational promotion as well.
Promotion
The Reds have promoted shortstop Noelvi Marte to Triple-A, per source.
Marte is a long time Top 100 prospect who is still just 21 years old. He was a key part of the Luis Castillo trade return from the Mariners.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) June 26, 2023
Marte was sent over to the Cincinnati Reds from the Seattle Mariners last trade deadline. This year, Marte has played the entire year in Double-A Chattanooga. He hit .281/.356/.464 with eight home runs and a 120 wRC+ over 50 games. He now joins Triple-A Louisville, where it will be interesting to see where he plays. Marte is primarily a shortstop, who also can play third base. With Cruz now at the big league level, Jose Barrero, the once Reds top prospect, was optioned back down. Barrero, who is a shortstop himself, has assumed the role in Louisville.
Options
The Reds have a few options that fans should keep an eye on.
1. Barrero stays at shortstop/Marte moves to third base.
With Marte currently on the 40-man roster, he is now one step closer to the big leagues. Position versatility is a trait that typically helps young players get to the big league club. With the possibility of guys like Kevin Newman and Nick Senzel being traded at the deadline, Marte being able to play both short and third could help his case.
2. Barrero moves to center/Marte stays at short.
Prior to Barrero being optioned to the minors, he started a trial period in the outfield. It seemed the move to the outfield grass was a last-ditch effort to save his, less than stellar, big-league career. If Barrero moves to the outfield, it could open the shortstop position all the way up for Marte to take.
Cincinnati or Bust?
So, will Marte be a Cincinnati Red in 2023? All sources point to no. Marte is a talented player, there’s no doubt, but 2023 may be a bit early for his debut. The move up to Triple-A will give him the ability to grow at the next level. The Reds current need for improvement at the big league level is pitching. Marte unfortunately doesn’t provide any relief in that department.
2024 will be the best bet to see the young, talented, Reds top prospect in Cincinnati. By that time, the front office should have a better idea of how they want to approach the current log jam in the infield. Marte has enough talent to hold a spot in the big leagues. And the Reds have enough talented infielders on the roster as it is.
Photo Credit: © Sam Greene/The Enquirer-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned:
Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Jose Barrero, Kevin Newman, Nick Senzel,
