GOODYEAR, Arizona — The Cincinnati Reds’ latest roster moves provided some clarity on their infield depth situation.
On Monday, the Reds reassigned six players to minor league camp, with five optioned to Triple-A Louisville, including infielder Noelvi Marte, a potential third base candidate for 2025. Also sent to Louisville were Tyler Callihan, Rece Hinds, and right-handed pitchers Connor Phillips and Yosver Zulueta.
Additionally, non-roster invitee Sal Stewart was reassigned to minor league camp. The 21-year-old prospect posted a .263 batting average with four walks and a home run in 19 at-bats.
Reds manager Terry Francona spent a significant portion of his media session discussing Marte, who was initially in contention for third base but is now out of the mix for the time being. Francona described his meeting with Marte as positive, emphasizing that the organization values these players and sees their reassignment as an opportunity for development rather than a setback.
Francona praised Marte’s work ethic and physical condition, stressing that he needs consistent playing time to develop rather than sporadic at-bats in spring games. His message to Marte was clear: continue improving and force the Reds to call him back up.
Marte struggled offensively this spring, hitting .150 with three hits, three RBIs, one walk, and eight strikeouts in 20 at-bats. After a challenging 2024 season—marked by an 80-game steroid suspension and underwhelming performance—he now appears set to begin 2025 in Triple-A.
Meanwhile, Hinds, who made his MLB debut in July 2024, hit .214 during spring training.