Reds' Rookie of the Year contender hit with PED suspension

Marte was acquired by the Reds at the 2022 trade deadline in the blockbuster trade that sent starting pitcher Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners. He has rapidly climbed the league's prospect rankings and is almost universally regarded as one of the top prospects in all of baseball entering the 2024 season.

He was also considered a sleeper candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year Award this season.

Marte got a taste of big-league action late in the 2023 season and quickly impressed. He appeared in 35 games, hitting .316 with a 120 OPS+ (100 being a league average hitter).

The emergence of Marte, as well as the presence of young star infielder Elly De La Cruz and offseason additions Jeimer Candelario, Frankie Montas, Emilio Pagan, Nick Martinez and Brent Suter have created some real expectations in Cincinnati for this season.

The Reds won 82 games a year ago, a 20-game improvement from the previous season.

Given how wide open -- and weak -- the National League Central is looking this season there is no reason why the Reds can not seriously contend for the division title. Marte figured to play a big role in that. He still might have an opportunity, but it will have to wait until at least the middle of the season. Perhaps even later by the time he gets himself back up to game speed after missing 80 games.