The Cincinnati Reds’ two young talents Noelvi Marté, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand could be on the move. They are at points in their careers where they haven’t gained enough playing experience. The Reds are willing to part ways with their two top prospects. According to manager Terry Francona, the two could be trade candidates. He is looking for players with more experience, and both have more minor league than major league experience. In the minors, Encarnacion-Strand hit .322 with a .990 OPS in 849 at-bats, while Marte hit .278 with a .817 OPS across 1555 at-bats. Compared to their major league experience, Encarnacion-strand only has 338 at-bats under his belt, and Marte has 343.
Reds Young Talents Future Uncertain
The Cincinnati Reds are at a crossroads with young talents Noelvi Marte and Christian Encarnacion-Strand as they contemplate their future contributions to the team by 2025.
Manager Terry Francona emphasized the importance of experience,… https://t.co/YF2uHUpCcJ
— QWIKET MLB (@qwiket_mlb) October 26, 2024
Reds Two Youngsters Could Be On the Move
Youth vs. Experience
Veteran experience is a luxury when it comes to having a winning team. Many veteran players are on the trade block, while some teams are focusing on youth development. This means both Marte and Encarnacion-Strand’s future with the Reds is uncertain as top prospects. Francona wants players with more MLB experience, aka veteran players. This offseason presents itself with many veteran free agents who must decide about their 2025 future.
The Reds’ focus this offseason is on supplementing their roster with adding a veteran or two. According to Francona, for a player to be taken seriously, they must record at least 1000 at-bats. So, both youngsters could be on the move as they look to rebuild. Encarnacion-strand’s 2024 season with the Reds was impacted by an injury where he had to undergo surgery in July, landing on the 60-day-IL for a right-hand fracture. Marte has come up as a trade target for the Atlanta Braves for shortstop.
Main Photo Credits: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
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