The Cincinnati Reds Face a Defining Summer in 2025
As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves at a pivotal moment. Following years of rebuilding and a wave of prospect promotions, the team now boasts an abundance of young infielders but still lacks the high-impact pitching needed to challenge for the National League Central title.
To capitalize on their emerging contention window and balance the roster, the Reds need to make a bold move before the trade deadline—starting with trading Noelvi Marte.
Why Noelvi Marte Must Be Dealt
Noelvi Marte’s tenure in Cincinnati has been a rollercoaster. Acquired in the trade that sent Luis Castillo to Seattle, Marte was once seen as a cornerstone for the future.
He impressed in limited 2023 action, hitting .316/.366/.456 and showcasing his power-speed potential. But a PED suspension disrupted his progress in 2024, and after returning, he struggled, batting just .210/.248/.301 with a high strikeout rate and low walk rate.
Marte began the 2025 season in Triple-A after a lackluster spring, but he’s recently caught fire—batting .370/.431/.696 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in 13 games.
His resurgence is boosting his trade value at just the right time. However, the Reds’ infield is packed: Elly De La Cruz is locked in at shortstop, Matt McLain and Gavin Lux are battling at second, and Jeimer Candelario remains a factor at third. Rising prospects like Cam Collier and Sal Stewart further crowd Marte’s future outlook.
This logjam makes Marte the odd man out. At age 23, he still has upside and team control, making him attractive to other clubs in need of young infielders.
Trading him now would allow the Reds to address more pressing needs—particularly in the outfield or starting rotation—while avoiding the risk of diminishing his value through inconsistent usage.
A Proposed Trade: Reds and Marlins
One ideal trade partner could be the Miami Marlins, who lack infield talent but have young arms to spare. A possible deal:
Reds receive:
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Max Meyer (RHP): MLB-ready starter, former top draft pick
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Jacob Berry (3B/1B): Power-hitting top prospect
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Xavier Edwards (INF/OF): Versatile, MLB-ready utility option
Marlins receive:
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Noelvi Marte (3B/SS)
This trade provides Cincinnati with a young, controllable pitcher in Meyer to strengthen the rotation as veterans like Frankie Montas near free agency. Berry adds a powerful switch-hitting bat with positional flexibility, and Edwards brings speed and versatility across the field.
For the Marlins, Marte could immediately slot in as their everyday shortstop or third baseman, giving them a potential long-term star whose offensive potential fills a critical void in their lineup.
Strength in Depth
Even without Marte, the Reds’ farm system remains one of MLB’s strongest. Pitchers like Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Petty are rising fast, while Collier, Stewart, and Edwin Arroyo provide depth on the infield.
Dealing Marte opens the door for Collier and Stewart to reach the majors, both of whom offer higher defensive upside.
Cincinnati’s ability to deal from a position of depth to meet key needs is a credit to their front office’s success in scouting and development.
Marte’s time in Cincinnati reflects the modern MLB journey—promise, setbacks, and strategic decisions. Now, with his trade value on the rise and an infield overflow, the Reds must seize the moment. A well-timed deal could bring vital pieces to sustain their playoff push and ensure long-term success.
Waiting risks losing momentum. Acting decisively is the move of a team ready to win.
