The Cincinnati Reds head into the summer of 2025 facing a pivotal moment. Following years of rebuilding and a wave of prospect call-ups, the team now has an overcrowded infield loaded with young talent, while the pitching staff—though full of potential—still lacks the high-end arms needed to compete in the NL Central. To capitalize on their competitive window and fix roster imbalances, the Reds need to make a decisive move before the trade deadline. The player they must deal: Noelvi Marte.
The Case for Trading Noelvi Marte
Noelvi Marte’s path with the Reds has been far from straightforward. Acquired as the centerpiece of the Luis Castillo trade, he was once viewed as a future cornerstone. Marte showed flashes of that potential in 2023, hitting .316/.366/.456 during a brief stint, flashing the power and speed that once made him a top-100 prospect. However, a PED suspension in 2024 disrupted his progress, and he struggled significantly upon returning, posting a .210/.248/.301 line with a troubling 3.7% walk rate and 31% strikeout rate.
After a disappointing spring, Marte began 2025 in Triple-A, but he’s recently caught fire, hitting .370/.431/.696 with three home runs and 16 RBI over his first 13 games back. This surge has reignited interest in his potential.
Still, Cincinnati’s infield is crowded—Elly De La Cruz has shortstop locked down, Matt McLain and Gavin Lux are competing at second, and Jeimer Candelario remains in the mix at third. With the team investing in veteran talent and prospects like Cam Collier and Sal Stewart on the rise, Marte’s long-term role is increasingly uncertain.
His hot streak couldn’t come at a better time for the Reds’ front office. Marte is regaining value, and other teams seeking a young, controllable infielder will be drawn to his age (23), pedigree, and offensive upside.
For Cincinnati, trading him now could bring in help where it’s needed most—such as a reliable outfielder, a young starting pitcher, or more high-ceiling prospects at the upper levels.
Keeping Marte and bouncing him between Triple-A and the majors risks stalling his development and reducing his value if he slumps again. With the Reds entering a competitive window and an infield logjam, the moment to make a move is now.
The Trade Proposal
Given Noelvi Marte’s youth, potential, and recent performance, the Reds should look to trade him to a team in clear need of a third baseman or shortstop and willing to part with either a proven major leaguer or a package of top-tier prospects. A natural trade partner could be the Miami Marlins, who are in serious need of infield help and boast a surplus of young pitching talent.
Proposed Trade:
Reds receive:
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Max Meyer, RHP – A former top-10 pick and MLB-ready starter who can immediately bolster the rotation.
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Jacob Berry, 3B/1B – A top-five Marlins prospect with a switch-hitting power bat and positional versatility.
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Xavier Edwards, INF/OF – A versatile, MLB-ready utility player with speed and defensive flexibility.
Marlins receive:
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Noelvi Marte, 3B/SS
For Cincinnati, Meyer offers a high-upside, cost-controlled rotation arm, crucial as veterans like Frankie Montas near free agency. Berry, while not a flawless prospect, fits the Reds’ preference for athletic, multi-positional hitters. Edwards adds valuable depth and speed, able to contribute both infield and outfield.
From the Marlins’ perspective, Marte gives them a controllable, high-upside everyday infielder—precisely the kind of offensive boost their lineup lacks. His age and ceiling align with their long-term goals.
Cincinnati’s farm system remains one of MLB’s strongest, with pitchers like Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Petty leading the charge, and hitters such as Cam Collier, Sal Stewart, and Edwin Arroyo close behind. Trading Marte doesn’t deplete their infield pipeline; instead, it opens the door for Collier and Stewart—both of whom offer higher defensive potential and are nearing MLB readiness.
Thanks to their deep well of pitching prospects, the Reds can deal from a position of strength to fill other roster gaps—proof of their recent drafting and development success.
Marte’s trajectory in Cincinnati encapsulates the modern MLB landscape: big potential, tough breaks, and constant roster recalibration. The Reds—on the verge of contention but facing tough choices—should act while Marte’s value is high. A trade now, bringing back immediate pitching and a premium prospect, could strengthen their core and extend their competitive window.
Delaying risks losing leverage. Striking while Marte’s stock is rising—and while the infield is crowded—is the proactive, strategic move a contending team must make.
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