Aug 29, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder Noelvi Marte (16) tosses his bat after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Reds Right Fielder Noelvi Marte's Move to Outfield Has Unlocked His Potential

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 1:48 PM ET

Noelvi Marte's bounce-back season has been one of the most surprising storylines of the season.

After missing half of 2024 with a suspension for violating Major League Baseball's performance-enhancing drug policy, he struggled mightily in the second half.

This season, he started the year in Triple-A Louisville and quickly worked his way back up. In 64 games, Marte is slashing .288/.330/.504 with 28 extra-base hits and seven stolen bases.

Early on, Marte really struggled in the field at third base and the Reds decided to move him to the outfield. Since then, he's been their everyday right fielder. That has helped unlock his potential even more.

As a right fielder, Marte is slashing .310/.339/.517 with 13 extra-base hits in 30 games. He's also shown off his strong arm from the outfield on multiple occasions.

After his walk-off single against the Blue Jays on Monday, Marte was asked by Jim Day about his move to right field.

"I think the best thing that's happened in my career is being moved to right field," Marte said in the postgame interview. "I am more relaxed playing there. I don't think too much and I enjoy the game more."

Not only is the move working, but Marte seems to be enjoying it. It's safe to assume Marte is Cincinnati's right fielder of the future and might even have the potential to move to center field.