Breaking: Cincinnati Reds Exciting Top Prospect Suspended 80 Games

 

As the Cincinnati Reds No. 1 prospect, slated to open the season in the starting lineup, this is a huge blow for third baseman Noelvi Marte, who has been suspended by Major League Baseball for 80 games for testing positive for PED use.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a PED.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 8, 2024

It's, of course, also a massive hit to the Reds, who were intent on starting the 22-year-old Dominican, one of the top prospects in all of baseball (No. 14 overall), at third base this season.

MLB, in its statement, said that Marte has tested positive for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid. He is allowed to continue participating in spring training games, and his suspension will begin on Opening Day.

Marte made his debut in the majors last year, and flashed his tantalizing talent in 35 games, hitting .310 with a .366 on-base and an .822 OPS along with three homers, 15 RBIs, and six stolen bases.

He tore through the minors, first in the Seattle Mariners' system, then with the Reds system after they acquired him in the Luis Castillo trade at the 2022 deadline. He slugged 56 homers while swiping 82 bases in 379 games over four seasons in the minors. 

Reds' free agent signing Jeimer Candelario will likely slot in as the starter at third base now, though one of their other scintillating young players, Elly De La Cruz, can also play the hot corner. 

Photo: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports