As Reds beat reporter Gordon Wittmeyer detailed on Aug. 18, your Opening Day starting right fielder Noelvi Martehas been demoted for a second time.
The 24-year-old Marte has struggled in his two opportunities with a .189 average over 201 plate appearances. He had just four hits in his last 30 at-bats.
NBC Sports reports Marte's stock has dropped dramatically and that a change of scenery may be in order. Marte's contract pays him $790,000 per year and he is arbitration-eligible for the 2027 season, which may or may not happen due to labor issues.
Marte has hit .369 with eight homers and 27 RBI at Louisville through Aug. 18, but has had a"chase rate" of 41.2%in the big leagues, swinging at balls out of the strike zone. MLB average is around 30%.
Last season, Marte hit 14 home runs with a .263 average, showing promise. By April 13, the Reds had sent him down with a .138 average, recalling Rece Hinds. He was recalled June 3, when the Reds demoted TJ Friedl.
Reds manager Terry Francona told The Enquirer's Wittmeyer the following:
"He has all the tools to be an everyday player," Francona said. "Saying that, when you're playing every day, you've got to find a way to help your team win. And it's not just getting hits. It's playing the position. It's being accountable for so many different things. And he was just having a tough time, by his own admission."
Marte's barrel percentage for 2026 is 5.1% compared to 9.1% for 2025 and his exit velocity is down. The Reds moved him to the outfield to get his bat in the lineup. Now, he must play his way back or look for a change of colors.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Have Reds fans seen the last of Noelvi Marte?
