A mid-season position change is a difficult task to handle for any big leaguer, let alone a 23-year-old coming off a down season. However, that is exactly what Reds youngster Noevli Marte has done this season, making the change from third base to right field. The former top prospect was a shortstop converted to third base, and is now roaming right field, a position he has never played at any level in the past.
How Noelvi Marte’s Transition to Right Field Helps the Reds
Marte has had a massive bounce-back season on both sides of the ball, and the transition to right field marks an important one for both him and the team.
Marte’s Bounce Back Season
After a stellar 35-game cup of coffee in the big leagues in 2023, Marte suffered through a horrendous 2024 season. He served an 80-game PED suspension and was never able to get rolling after his return.
He played in 66 games, slashing a paltry .210/.248/.301 for a .549 OPS and 49 OPS+. His defense at third base was poor as well, continuously making throwing errors on routine plays. This all culminated in a forgettable -1.8 bWAR season.
With a glass half full outlook, one can argue that there was nowhere else to go than up for Marte in 2024, and they would be more than correct.
So far in 2024, Marte has already played a career high 70 games, where he’s slashed .292/.332/.512 for a .844 OPS and 124 OPS+. His expected stats back up the production, as he has a .266 xBA and .467 xSLG, both above league average.
An area in his game that he could improve on is his swing and miss and plate discipline. His 33.0 Chase% and 26.3 Whiff% are both slightly below league average. These numbers however are by no means awful and can be easily improved upon. With more playing time and experience, these numbers are bound to go up, seeing as Marte has proved the ability to improve his game after a disappointing season.
Marte’s Outfield Defense
In 2025, Marte has logged 34 games in right field (270 innings), and has looked good despite zero previous experience. His strong arm was always going to translate to the outfield, no problem (92.7 MPH Arm Strength — 95th percentile). It has been his overall play and reads that have impressed, and the metrics back it up as he’s already recorded 1 DRS in this 34 game span.
For Marte to make the adjustment mid-season and already performing as an above league average defensive right fielder is extremely beneficial to both him and the team
How Marte’s Position Switch Benefits the Reds
With the acquisition of Gold Glover Ke’Bryan Hayes and his contract, it’s looking like he will man the hot corner for the next four seasons. Short stop is obviously occupied by Reds superstar Elly De La Cruz, and second base is occupied by former top prospect Matt McLain. With all three of Noelvi Marte’s positions taken up, he was forced into right field as a corresponding move.
The fact that he has looked more than capable in right field means the Reds will have less of a log jam in the infield. Furthermore, if Marte can consistently been an .800 OPS bat, he will solidify himself as the future Reds right fielder, meaning the Reds will have more money to spend on other positions during free agency.
Marte’s move solidifies the infield defense, while improving the overall offensive output from the outfielders. It’s a perfect two for one move that the Reds have nailed.
If for whatever reason any of the three previously mentioned infielders go down for an extended period of time, Marte can also still slide back into an infield role. This versatility is a trait that all MLB teams love to have on their team, especially if it is paired with his sky-high offensive potential.
Main Photo Credits: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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