Since signing free agent Jeimer Candelario this summer, there has been debate regarding the Cincinnati Reds’ oversupply of infielders on their roster. With top prospects Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Noelvi Marte making their debuts last year, the Reds’ infield seemed poised to be one of the youngest and most entertaining in baseball.
Unfortunately, the Reds have been dealt a big setback as Marte will be suspended for the first half of the season due to a PED violation. Marte is still considered a prospect and is ranked first in the Reds’ organization.
The 22-year-old made his debut in mid-August and hit.316/.366/.456, with a 120 wRC+ in 35 games down the stretch. He was supposed to be the Reds’ starting third baseman for his first full season, but those plans will be put on hold while he serves an 80-game suspension for breaching Major League Baseball’s PED rules.
How the Reds Will Fill the Void Left By Marte?
Luckily for the Reds, they have plenty of depth to be able to absorb the loss of Marte. Their starting infield without him will still look to be one of the best in the game despite this suspension.
Elly De La Cruz is entering his second major league season and is expected to make a significant impact as their starting shortstop. Matt McLain was the Reds’ finest rookie last season, with a 3.2 fWAR in just 89 games. He hit.290/.357/.507 with 16 home runs and 14 stolen bases.
The signing of Candelario this summer immediately fills Marte’s void, as the 30-year-old can return to third base from first base, where he was anticipated to spend the majority of the season. Candelario is coming off a breakout year in 2023, when he batted.251/.336/.471, with 22 home runs and a 117 wRC+.
This ban effectively allows Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jonathan India to play more. Encarnacion-Strand planned to split time at first base with Candelario while also attempting to obtain at-bats at designated hitter. He may now take over as the starting first baseman, with Candelario going to third.
