Reds rumors: 1 dream trade, 1 savvy play, 1 to avoid altogether

Reds rumors: Reds should avoid any deal that would cost top prospect Noelvi Marte

This trade idea has less to do with a trade target for the Reds and more to do with a player they should completely avoid dealing, no matter what. Cincinnati acquired top-100 shortstop prospect, Noelvi Marte from the Mariners in a blockbuster trade package that sent Reds ace Luis Castillo to Seattle. The organization paid a steep price for Marte and he hasn’t disappointed.

Marte is a multiple time Southern League Player of the Week, sporting nearly a .300 batting average in the pitcher friendly Double-A League. He is a consensus top-100 prospect that has been ranked as high as the top 10. The 21-year-old has shown versatility in the infield, with a rumored move to the outfield being discussed depending on when he’s expected to arrive in the MLB.

The front office paid a great price to acquire Marte, costing them a controllable ace in his prime. They likely won’t receive anything of such valuable for him now. When any General Manager picks up the phone and dials the Reds, the first prospect they will ask about is Noelvi Marte. The front office needs to be adamant that Marte is a Red, no matter what they have to offer.