This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
CINCINNATI — The Reds spent much of 2022 moving out costly veterans and acquiring young talent to improve the player development system. One of the key pieces of that upgrade was shortstop Noelvi Marte.
When Cincinnati dealt rotation ace Luis Castillo to the Mariners for four prospects in July, they received Seattle’s No. 1 prospect in Marte along with shortstop Edwin Arroyo, starting pitcher Levi Stoudt and reliever Andrew Moore.
Now 21 and ranked the No. 2 prospect for the Reds (No. 17 overall) by MLB Pipeline, Marte batted .279 with an .829 OPS, 19 home runs, 68 RBIs and 23 steals over 115 games at the High-A level.
At Redsfest earlier this month, I had a conversation with Marte about coming to the Reds. His answers were translated by Jorge Merlos.
MLB.com: After the trade to the Reds, how was your adjustment to a new organization?
Marte: Really, I was thinking, “It’s just the same sport, the same ball that I’m playing.” Obviously, it’s different players and teammates that I’m around. What really helped me was having to think about, “OK, it’s the same game, just with a different organization.”
MLB.com: You’ve been added to the 40-man roster this offseason. What does going to your first big league Spring Training mean for you?
Marte: It’s definitely a dream come true. Obviously, this is one first step in my career — the first step of many things to come.
MLB.com: With all the shortstops now in this organization, are you worried about moving to a different position? How open are you to that possibility?
Marte: I’ve never been changed or told to play another position beforehand. Luckily, in the [Arizona] Fall League, they told me to play third base. I was getting used to that. It’s not about where you play, it’s about how you help the team win. I’m willing to go wherever I am needed, whether it’s the outfield or whatever it is.
MLB.com: How was the Arizona Fall League for you?
Marte: It got a little complicated at first, because I was trying out a new position at third base and trying to figure out where to stand. Luckily, our [Minor League infield] coordinator José Nieves was there to help me out. He was able to position me well out there. As the season went on, I was able to get more comfortable and adapt very well.
MLB.com: What will you work on before Spring Training?
Marte: Physically, I have to get better. Little tweaks here and there with my batting. Normally, you can find ways to get better there. Defensively, I have to get better as well.
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