Noelvi Marte, once a top prospect for the Cincinnati Reds, is currently in a challenging position regarding the team's starting third base role. Reports indicate that he has been relegated to working out with minor leaguers during spring training, indicating a likely start in Triple-A. Manager Terry Francona emphasized that Marte must earn his place, which could benefit his development. After returning from a PED suspension in 2024, Marte struggled at the plate, hitting just .210 with four homers in 229 at-bats, raising concerns about his readiness for the big leagues.

The Reds' options for the third base position include Jeimer Candelario and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, along with other versatile candidates. Marte, at only 23, still has time to improve his game and potentially reclaim his status as a valuable asset for the Reds in the near future.

On the first day of full workouts, new Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona inspired his players with a rousing speech, igniting excitement for the upcoming season. The players expressed high praise for Francona's ability to energize the team, emphasizing trust in his leadership, with ace Hunter Greene stating, "His presence is great. He commands the room." Santiago Espinal referred to him as a "legend," while Jeimer Candelario expressed confidence in Francona's experience and ability to guide the team to success.

As the Reds prepare for spring training games, the players are eager to translate Francona's motivational message into on-field performance. With a blend of excitement and determination, the squad appears ready to embrace the new season under Francona's leadership.

The Cincinnati Reds welcomed their position players to camp with a lighthearted "school photo thread," capturing moments filled with excitement reminiscent of a first-day-of-school vibe. The players featured include Gavin Lux, Jeimer Candelario, Santiago Espinal, Noelvi Marte, Carson Spiers, Brent Suter, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, Alexis Diaz, Nick Martinez, Will Benson, and TJ Friedl among others.

In addition to the fun photo-sharing, the Reds organization has been active with news, including a tribute video for Pete Rose and discussions about managerial candidates following the firing of David Bell. The team is expected to be aggressive in pursuing trades and has identified several key traits for their next manager. As fans gear up for the season, the Reds offer robust coverage on their social media platforms and dedicated channels.

FanGraphs has unveiled its projections for the Cincinnati Reds in 2025, suggesting the team is likely to hover around a .500 win-loss record. Elly De La Cruz is expected to be the standout performer, projected to achieve an fWAR of 5.0 with a batting line of .263/.335/.472, including 25 home runs and 54 stolen bases. Matt McLain, returning from shoulder surgery, is anticipated to be the second-best player with an fWAR of 4.0 and a batting average of .254.

While the catching duo of Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino is projected to contribute significantly with a combined fWAR of 3.6, the overall lineup is seen as underwhelming. The third base position, manned by Noelvi Marte, Santiago Espinal, and Jeimer Candelario, is forecasted to have the lowest fWAR on the team at just 0.7. On the pitching front, Hunter Greene is projected to maintain a solid performance, with a record of 8-7 and a 3.62 ERA.

However, the Reds' bullpen is viewed negatively, with a combined fWAR of -0.3, highlighting a need for improvement. The projections echo fan sentiments, indicating the necessity for the Reds to bolster their roster if they aim to contend effectively in 2025.