Noelvi Marte Turns Corner in Spring Training

Reds' right fielder Noelvi Marte overcomes slow start to shine in second half of spring camp

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Noelvi Marte, one of the most talented players on the Cincinnati Reds, had a substandard start to spring training. However, after a conversation with the coaching staff where they delivered a message to the 24-year-old right fielder, Marte turned a corner and finished the spring strong. Marte showed tangible progress with the quality of his at-bats, production against left-handed pitching, and improved defense in right field.

Why it matters

Marte is a key part of the Reds' lineup, and the team needs him to be consistent and productive throughout the season. His ability to make adjustments and respond to coaching feedback will be crucial as he looks to build on his potential and solidify his role as the Reds' regular right fielder.

The details

After a slow start to spring training, Reds coaches had a conversation with Marte, telling him 'it was time to get going' and work on the things he's capable of doing. Marte said the coaches told him 'what they expect' from him. Following that talk, there was a notable shift in Marte's production in games and his day-to-day process. Marte's defense in right field also improved, with crisper routes and cleaner play after some early misplays.

  • In early March, Reds coaches had a conversation with Marte about his slow start to spring training.
  • Over the last few weeks of spring training, Marte has shown tangible progress with his at-bats and production against left-handed pitching.

The players

Noelvi Marte

A 24-year-old right fielder for the Cincinnati Reds who is considered one of the team's most talented players.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds who worked with Marte and the coaching staff to deliver a message and get him going in spring training.

Freddie Benavides

An assistant coach for the Cincinnati Reds who helped deliver the message to Marte.

Mike Napoli

An assistant coach for the Cincinnati Reds who helped deliver the message to Marte.

Chris Valaika

The hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds who has worked closely with Marte on his development.

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What they’re saying

“We want our guys to do good. We don't want to beat them over the head. But there's an expectation. We want to make sure we're doing that.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

“It was time for me to get going. Work on the stuff that I think I'm capable of doing.”

— Noelvi Marte

“It doesn't always have to come from me. Freddie (Benavides) is so good. So is (Mike) Napoli.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

“He got off to a slower start than I think all of us would have liked coming into camp. For the last (few weeks), there has been another switch. There were conversations... For him to take that to heart and have a shift and play the way he has been playing, that's been great.”

— Chris Valaika, Hitting Coach

“I feel a lot better. Way better than I felt last year. I've been doing a great job with (Collin Cowgill) in the outfield to get a better understanding of how to read the fly balls. I'm very appreciative of the work we have done.”

— Noelvi Marte

What’s next

Marte will look to carry his strong finish to spring training into the regular season and prove he can be a consistent, productive player for the Reds throughout the year.

The takeaway

Marte's ability to respond to coaching feedback and make adjustments during spring training shows his maturity and commitment to improving. If he can maintain this focus and production, he could be poised for a breakout season as a key part of the Reds' lineup.