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Noelvi Marte 2023 Player Outlook: Gearing Up For First Full Season In Reds' System
2 years agoCincinnati Reds shortstop prospect Noelvi Marte is preparing for his first full season as a member of the organization. Dealt from Seattle to Cincinnati in last summer's Luis Castillo trade, Marte is a talented middle infielder with surprising power and a strong defensive profile. Through 30 games with the Reds' High-A affiliate last season, Marte slashed .292/.397/.443 with a .338 BABIP, 13.5 BB%, 18.3 K%, and 138 wRC+. He showed immense strides in terms of plate discipline and putting the ball in play. He also averaged one stolen base in every three games, which would have been the highest mark of his career if extrapolated over an entire season. Moving forward, dynasty managers should look to buy Marte in fantasy leagues. While there is concern that his speed will decline over time, he has shown major progress as a hitter and projects to be an everyday player someday, whether it be at shortstop, third base, second base, or center field. Look for Marte to open 2023 in Double-A and rise through the ranks quite quickly. 2024 seems like a reasonable ETA for Marte to reach the majors, but it's possible that he earns a promotion late in 2023 if he posts another impressive stat line and the Reds' infield needs a boost.
