The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2024 season with a young, upstart roster that could make some noise in the winnable National League Central. The Reds are coming off a 2023 that saw them finish 82-80 just one year after losing 100 games in 2022. They made a significant jump in 2023 and looked to improve even more in 2024. One of those talents that Cincinnati was counting on was infielder Noelvi Marté, a promising 22-year-old prospect who made his major league debut late last year. Unfortunately for the Reds, Marte will not be available for the first 80 games of the 2024 season.
MLB Suspends Reds Noelvi Marte 80 Games
MLB has handed Marte an 80-game suspension without pay because of a substance known as Boldenone. Marte won’t be eligible to come back until June.
Reds infielder Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for PED violation
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2024
MLB announced that Reds INF Noelvi Marte has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance enhancing substance. pic.twitter.com/LwAyI5u0K4
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 8, 2024
Noelvi Marte can return to the complex for extended spring training and the end of the month and will have minor league rehab assignment before he returns, per the Reds.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 8, 2024
Marte batted .316 with 3 home runs and drove in 15 RBIs in 35 games in 2023. On MLB Pipeline, Marte is listed as the best prospect in the Reds farm system. Overall, MLB Pipeline ranks him as the 21st-best prospect in all of MLB. With Marte now out for most of his rookie season, the Reds will likely turn to Jeimer Candelario at third base. Candelario hit a career-high 22 home runs last season for the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals. His power should be a factor at the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark.
Main Photo Credits: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
