Noelvi Marte

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #1 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 55/Medium
  
  Track Record: A year after the Mariners signed Julio Rodriguez as the star of their 2017 international amateur class, Marte was an equally highly regarded $1.55 million cornerstone of the club’s 2018 international crop. Marte immediately became one of the Seattle’s top prospects, a title he held until July 2022, when he was traded with Edwin Arroyo to the Reds in a four-prospect swap for righthander Luis Castillo. Marte continues to be a streaky hitter who mixes stretches of dominance with periods where he looks lost at the plate. When he’s on, he can carry a lineup. Marte hit seven of his 14 home runs in 2023 in a 16-day stretch in June. Called up to Cincinnati to make his MLB debut on Aug. 19, Marte finished the season with a 13-game hitting streak. A shortstop for most of his pro career, Marte focused exclusively on third base when he reached Triple-A Louisville. He largely stuck to the hot corner in the majors. He started three games at shortstop for Cincinnati in addition to his first pro appearance at second base.
  
  Scouting Report: Since the day he signed, Marte has faced questions about how his body would age, and whether he would be able to retain most of his impressive athleticism as he filled out. While he has gotten stockier, he has managed so far to retain his speed. Marte is a plus runner, especially once he gets moving. He’s also made steady improvements at the plate, and he’s now more capable of handling pitchers who stay away. Marte has plus-plus raw power, but so far he’s shown only average productive power. There should be more as he develops. He’s blessed with exceptional bat speed. Among the Reds on the MLB roster, his average bat speed was second only to Elly De La Cruz. Marte has steadily developed as a hitter. When he runs cold, it’s usually because he gets out of sync with his timing. He has a significant timing step and sometimes can get caught on his front foot, but he’s in sync more regularly, and he’s improved at chasing pitches off the outer third of the plate. He’s at his best when he gets his arms extended and has shown the ability to be a solid .260-.270 hitter. At third base, Marte’s range, footwork and first step are fringe-average and a hard-hit ball can get on him before he can react, but his plus, accurate arm allows him to make highlight plays, because he doesn’t need to set his feet to put something on his throws. He is especially comfortable charging bunts and slow grounders.
  
  The Future: The Reds have more MLB-ready players than spots to play them, especially in the infield, but Marte showed hints that he can be a long-term fixture thanks to his power-speed combo. He will play the 2024 season as a 22-year-old, so his best years are still ahead of him. His speed and arm would make a move to right field viable if the Reds need to improvise to get his bat in the lineup. N
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 45 | Arm: 60
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #2 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 55/High
  
  Track Record: Marte was considered one of the best prospects in the 2018 international class and signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million. After a strong 2019 season in the Dominican Summer League, the coronavirus pandemic meant Marte's first U.S. action came at the alternate training site in 2020 against mostly big leaguers. It was a tough transition, but it helped him when he went to Low-A in 2021. He struggled in the first half of the 2022 season and came into July hitting under .240. But a strong second half came during a time when he was traded to the Reds in the Luis Castillo deal. Marte went to the Arizona Fall League to work on playing third base.
  
  Scouting Report: When Marte signed, he had a narrow base and a big leg kick. Now he hits from a much simpler, wider stance with a compact swing and toned-down mechanics. Marte combines big power potential with excellent bat-to-ball skills. When he's locked in, he's powerful enough to drive the ball up the middle for damage. He doesn't always make the best swing decisions, and pitchers in 2022 found they could frustrate him with a breaking ball-heavy approach. He also rolls over too many down-and-away breaking balls. Marte rarely misses hittable pitches in the strike zone. His top-end exit velocities are near the top of the scale, but he doesn't barrel the ball often enough. Defensively, Marte's move to third base in the Arizona Fall League likely foreshadows his future home. He has a thickening lower half and chest, and his short-range quickness is below-average. He has an average arm, but needs to improve his throwing accuracy. Marte is an above-average runner now, but projects to slow down.
  
  The Future: Marte's combination of power and contact ability gives him a high ceiling, but he's going to have to stay on top of his conditioning to reach his potential. He's ready for Double-A Chattanooga.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 45. Power: 65. Run: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50
• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #3 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Marte set himself apart with his athleticism, tools and performance as an amateur and signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million in 2018. He lived up to his pedigree with a standout debut in the Dominican Summer League and was invited to the Mariners alternate training site in 2020, where he understandably struggled as the youngest player in camp. Marte made his full-season debut in 2021 and finished among the league leaders in hits, runs, doubles, home runs, walks, RBIs and stolen bases at Low-A Modesto, earning a late promotion to High-A Everett.
  
  Scouting Report: A skinny, projectable teenager when he signed, Marte has grown into a broad-shouldered, physical specimen with explosive power. He generates borderline plus-plus power out of a smooth, easy swing and hits rockets that leave any part of the stadium. He uses his lower half well and has a mechanically sound swing that allows him to project as an above-average hitter who gets to his power in games. Marte occasionally gives away at-bats and gets out of his approach, but at his best he recognizes pitches, stays in the strike zone and adjusts quickly. Marte moves well for his size on the basepaths and is a good athlete at shortstop with twitchy actions, a quick first step and soft hands. He has above-average arm strength but is often careless with his footwork and arm slot, leading to frequent throwing errors.
  
  The Future: Marte has the potential to be a power-hitting, all-star shortstop if he cleans up his defense. Even if he moves to third base, he still projects to be a middle-of-the-order cornerstone.
  
• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #5 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 60. Power: 55. Running: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 60.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Marte signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million in 2018 and ranked as the Dominican Summer League’s top prospect the following year after making his pro debut. He led the DSL with 134 total bases. Marte was poised to jump to the U.S. in 2020, but instead he spent the summer as one of the youngest players at the Mariners’ alternate training site. He finished the year at instructional league in Arizona.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marte is extremely young but has a chance to be a special player at a premium position. His hands, bat speed and feel for the barrel allow him to make contact against all different pitch types and hit with power to all fields. He projects to be a plus hitter with above-average power in the middle of the order. Marte has added muscle to his frame and is just an average runner, and he may slow down more if he keeps growing. Scouts are split on whether Marte can stay at shortstop. His range is a little short, but he has the actions and IQ to handle the position as long as he doesn’t grow too much more. His plus arm is accurate and he can make throws on the move.
  
  THE FUTURE: If Marte does eventually move to third base, he has more than enough bat to profile as a potential all-star. He should open the 2021 season in full-season ball.
• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #6 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Marte signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million during the 2018 international signing period and made his pro debut in 2019 with an outstanding season in the Dominican Summer League. He batted .309/.371/.511, led the league with 54 RBIs and 134 total bases, finished second with 31 extra-base hits and, significantly, stayed strong late with a 1.041 OPS in August.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marte is a five-tool athlete with plenty of upside. He has an advanced approach at the plate and uses a compact stroke with whippy bat speed and makes good swing decisions. An intriguing power-speed threat, Marte stole 19 bases in addition to hitting seven home runs in his pro debut. A plus-plus runner when he signed, Marte is now more of a plus runner and closer to 200 pounds after filling out. After having some throwing issues early in the season, Marte's shortstop defense improved thanks to a throwing program that boosted both his arm strength and accuracy. Concerns he would eventually move to the outfield have been lessened, but whether he remains at shortstop or slides to third base will be determined as his body continues to grow.
  
  THE FUTURE: Marte is following in the footsteps of Julio Rodriguez as another potential impact Dominican signee. He will make his U.S. debut in 2020.
• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #10 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Marte was one of top infield prospects in the 2018 international signing class, with the Mariners signing the Dominican Republic native for $1.55 million. While he has yet to make his pro debut, Marte participated in programs at the Mariners' complex in Peoria, Ariz., in the fall.
  
  Scouting Report: Marte was more than just a player groomed to stand out in showcases. He also showed the ability to perform in game situations. He has intriguing power-speed potential, with an advanced approach at the plate, good strike-zone awareness and plenty of raw power from a compact stroke with whippy bat speed. While he's got a strong build, Marte is light on his feet. He's a plus-plus runner, a tick better than he was when he signed because of added strength. He's got plenty of work to do to be able to stay at shortstop, including improving his footwork and arm accuracy. Marte's future position will likely be determined by how much he grows as the body matures.
  
  The Future: Like Julio Rodriguez before him, Marte will begin his pro career in the Dominican Summer League in 2019 and may spend the whole summer there before making his U.S. debut in 2020.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked California League #7 prospect in 2021
  Marte struggled with consistency during an up-and-down season, but he was an offensive force at his best. He finished tied for third in the league with 17 home runs and also ranked in the top 10 in hits, runs, doubles, RBIs, walks and stolen bases. Marte destroyed fastballs and generated plus-plus power out of a smooth, easy swing. His power played to all fields and his sound swing mechanics allowed him to project him as a future above-average hitter. “He’s one of those bats where you know when he’s coming up,” Stockton manager Rico Brogna said. “He’s six spots away and you start thinking about when he’s coming up because it’s just an impact bat and he really can hit.” Marte still has work to do on the mental side of the game. The quality of his at-bats often wavered and he tied for a league-worst 29 errors on defense, mostly due to sloppy footwork and poor throwing mechanics. He has the ability to stay at shortstop if he improves his focus.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #32 prospect in 2024
• Ranked Baseball America's #46 prospect in 2023
• Ranked Baseball America's #63 prospect in 2023
• Ranked Baseball America's #18 prospect in 2022
• Ranked Baseball America's #73 prospect in 2021
• Ranked Baseball America's #92 prospect in 2020

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 55/High
  
  Track Record: Marte was considered one of the best prospects in the 2018 international class and signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million. After a strong 2019 season in the Dominican Summer League, the coronavirus pandemic meant Marte's first U.S. action came at the alternate training site in 2020 against mostly big leaguers. It was a tough transition, but it helped him when he went to Low-A in 2021. He struggled in the first half of the 2022 season and came into July hitting under .240. But a strong second half came during a time when he was traded to the Reds in the Luis Castillo deal. Marte went to the Arizona Fall League to work on playing third base.
  
  Scouting Report: When Marte signed, he had a narrow base and a big leg kick. Now he hits from a much simpler, wider stance with a compact swing and toned-down mechanics. Marte combines big power potential with excellent bat-to-ball skills. When he's locked in, he's powerful enough to drive the ball up the middle for damage. He doesn't always make the best swing decisions, and pitchers in 2022 found they could frustrate him with a breaking ball-heavy approach. He also rolls over too many down-and-away breaking balls. Marte rarely misses hittable pitches in the strike zone. His top-end exit velocities are near the top of the scale, but he doesn't barrel the ball often enough. Defensively, Marte's move to third base in the Arizona Fall League likely foreshadows his future home. He has a thickening lower half and chest, and his short-range quickness is below-average. He has an average arm, but needs to improve his throwing accuracy. Marte is an above-average runner now, but projects to slow down.
  
  The Future: Marte's combination of power and contact ability gives him a high ceiling, but he's going to have to stay on top of his conditioning to reach his potential. He's ready for Double-A Chattanooga.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 45. Power: 65. Run: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 55/High
  
  Track Record: Marte was considered one of the best prospects in the 2018 international class and signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million. After a strong 2019 season in the Dominican Summer League, the coronavirus pandemic meant Marte's first U.S. action came at the alternate training site in 2020 against mostly big leaguers. It was a tough transition, but it helped him when he went to Low-A in 2021. He struggled in the first half of the 2022 season and came into July hitting under .240. But a strong second half came during a time when he was traded to the Reds in the Luis Castillo deal. Marte went to the Arizona Fall League to work on playing third base.
  
  Scouting Report: When Marte signed, he had a narrow base and a big leg kick. Now he hits from a much simpler, wider stance with a compact swing and toned-down mechanics. Marte combines big power potential with excellent bat-to-ball skills. When he's locked in, he's powerful enough to drive the ball up the middle for damage. He doesn't always make the best swing decisions, and pitchers in 2022 found they could frustrate him with a breaking ball-heavy approach. He also rolls over too many down-and-away breaking balls. Marte rarely misses hittable pitches in the strike zone. His top-end exit velocities are near the top of the scale, but he doesn't barrel the ball often enough. Defensively, Marte's move to third base in the Arizona Fall League likely foreshadows his future home. He has a thickening lower half and chest, and his short-range quickness is below-average. He has an average arm, but needs to improve his throwing accuracy. Marte is an above-average runner now, but projects to slow down.
  
  The Future: Marte's combination of power and contact ability gives him a high ceiling, but he's going to have to stay on top of his conditioning to reach his potential. He's ready for Double-A Chattanooga.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 45. Power: 65. Run: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 55/High
  
  Track Record: Marte set himself apart with his athleticism, tools and performance as an amateur and signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million in 2018. He lived up to his pedigree with a standout debut in the Dominican Summer League and was invited to the Mariners alternate training site in 2020, where he understandably struggled as the youngest player in camp. Marte made his full-season debut in 2021 and finished among the league leaders in hits, runs, doubles, home runs, walks, RBIs and stolen bases at Low-A Modesto, earning a late promotion to High-A Everett.
  
  Scouting Report: A skinny, projectable teenager when he signed, Marte has grown into a broad-shouldered, physical specimen with explosive power. He generates borderline plus-plus power out of a smooth, easy swing and hits rockets that leave any part of the stadium. He uses his lower half well and has a mechanically sound swing that allows him to project as an above-average hitter who gets to his power in games. Marte occasionally gives away at-bats and gets out of his approach, but at his best he recognizes pitches, stays in the strike zone and adjusts quickly. Marte moves well for his size on the basepaths and is a good athlete at shortstop with twitchy actions, a quick first step and soft hands. He has above-average arm strength but is often careless with his footwork and arm slot, leading to frequent throwing errors.
  
  The Future: Marte has the potential to be a power-hitting, all-star shortstop if he cleans up his defense. Even if he moves to third base, he still projects to be a middle-of-the-order cornerstone.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 65. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Marte set himself apart with his athleticism, tools and performance as an amateur and signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million in 2018. He lived up to his pedigree with a standout debut in the Dominican Summer League and was invited to the Mariners alternate training site in 2020, where he understandably struggled as the youngest player in camp. Marte made his full-season debut in 2021 and finished among the league leaders in hits, runs, doubles, home runs, walks, RBIs and stolen bases at Low-A Modesto, earning a late promotion to High-A Everett.
  
  Scouting Report: A skinny, projectable teenager when he signed, Marte has grown into a broad-shouldered, physical specimen with explosive power. He generates borderline plus-plus power out of a smooth, easy swing and hits rockets that leave any part of the stadium. He uses his lower half well and has a mechanically sound swing that allows him to project as an above-average hitter who gets to his power in games. Marte occasionally gives away at-bats and gets out of his approach, but at his best he recognizes pitches, stays in the strike zone and adjusts quickly. Marte moves well for his size on the basepaths and is a good athlete at shortstop with twitchy actions, a quick first step and soft hands. He has above-average arm strength but is often careless with his footwork and arm slot, leading to frequent throwing errors.
  
  The Future: Marte has the potential to be a power-hitting, all-star shortstop if he cleans up his defense. Even if he moves to third base, he still projects to be a middle-of-the-order cornerstone.
  
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  Marte struggled with consistency during an up-and-down season, but he was an offensive force at his best. He finished tied for third in the league with 17 home runs and also ranked in the top 10 in hits, runs, doubles, RBIs, walks and stolen bases. Marte destroyed fastballs and generated plus-plus power out of a smooth, easy swing. His power played to all fields and his sound swing mechanics allowed him to project him as a future above-average hitter. “He’s one of those bats where you know when he’s coming up,” Stockton manager Rico Brogna said. “He’s six spots away and you start thinking about when he’s coming up because it’s just an impact bat and he really can hit.” Marte still has work to do on the mental side of the game. The quality of his at-bats often wavered and he tied for a league-worst 29 errors on defense, mostly due to sloppy footwork and poor throwing mechanics. He has the ability to stay at shortstop if he improves his focus.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Marte has been arguably the top player in the Low-A West despite being one of the league's youngest players. He has demonstrated enormous power out of a smooth, easy swing, used the whole field and shown just enough defensively to have a chance to stick at shortstop. He has shown the actions, hands and first step for the position but is prone to mental lapses that will need to be cleaned up.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 55. Running: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 60.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Marte signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million in 2018 and ranked as the Dominican Summer League’s top prospect the following year after making his pro debut. He led the DSL with 134 total bases. Marte was poised to jump to the U.S. in 2020, but instead he spent the summer as one of the youngest players at the Mariners’ alternate training site. He finished the year at instructional league in Arizona.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marte is extremely young but has a chance to be a special player at a premium position. His hands, bat speed and feel for the barrel allow him to make contact against all different pitch types and hit with power to all fields. He projects to be a plus hitter with above-average power in the middle of the order. Marte has added muscle to his frame and is just an average runner, and he may slow down more if he keeps growing. Scouts are split on whether Marte can stay at shortstop. His range is a little short, but he has the actions and IQ to handle the position as long as he doesn’t grow too much more. His plus arm is accurate and he can make throws on the move.
  
  THE FUTURE: If Marte does eventually move to third base, he has more than enough bat to profile as a potential all-star. He should open the 2021 season in full-season ball.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 60. Power: 55. Running: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 60.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Marte signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million in 2018 and ranked as the Dominican Summer League’s top prospect the following year after making his pro debut. He led the DSL with 134 total bases. Marte was poised to jump to the U.S. in 2020, but instead he spent the summer as one of the youngest players at the Mariners’ alternate training site. He finished the year at instructional league in Arizona.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marte is extremely young but has a chance to be a special player at a premium position. His hands, bat speed and feel for the barrel allow him to make contact against all different pitch types and hit with power to all fields. He projects to be a plus hitter with above-average power in the middle of the order. Marte has added muscle to his frame and is just an average runner, and he may slow down more if he keeps growing. Scouts are split on whether Marte can stay at shortstop. His range is a little short, but he has the actions and IQ to handle the position as long as he doesn’t grow too much more. His plus arm is accurate and he can make throws on the move.
  
  THE FUTURE: If Marte does eventually move to third base, he has more than enough bat to profile as a potential all-star. He should open the 2021 season in full-season ball.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Marte signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million during the 2018 international signing period and made his pro debut in 2019 with an outstanding season in the Dominican Summer League. He batted .309/.371/.511, led the league with 54 RBIs and 134 total bases, finished second with 31 extra-base hits and, significantly, stayed strong late with a 1.041 OPS in August.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marte is a five-tool athlete with plenty of upside. He has an advanced approach at the plate and uses a compact stroke with whippy bat speed and makes good swing decisions. An intriguing power-speed threat, Marte stole 19 bases in addition to hitting seven home runs in his pro debut. A plus-plus runner when he signed, Marte is now more of a plus runner and closer to 200 pounds after filling out. After having some throwing issues early in the season, Marte’s shortstop defense improved thanks to a throwing program that boosted both his arm strength and accuracy. Concerns he would eventually move to the outfield have been lessened, but whether he remains at shortstop or slides to third base will be determined as his body continues to grow.
  
  THE FUTURE: Marte is following in the footsteps of Julio Rodriguez as another potential impact Dominican signee. He will make his U.S. debut in 2020.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Marte signed with the Mariners for $1.55 million during the 2018 international signing period and made his pro debut in 2019 with an outstanding season in the Dominican Summer League. He batted .309/.371/.511, led the league with 54 RBIs and 134 total bases, finished second with 31 extra-base hits and, significantly, stayed strong late with a 1.041 OPS in August.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marte is a five-tool athlete with plenty of upside. He has an advanced approach at the plate and uses a compact stroke with whippy bat speed and makes good swing decisions. An intriguing power-speed threat, Marte stole 19 bases in addition to hitting seven home runs in his pro debut. A plus-plus runner when he signed, Marte is now more of a plus runner and closer to 200 pounds after filling out. After having some throwing issues early in the season, Marte's shortstop defense improved thanks to a throwing program that boosted both his arm strength and accuracy. Concerns he would eventually move to the outfield have been lessened, but whether he remains at shortstop or slides to third base will be determined as his body continues to grow.
  
  THE FUTURE: Marte is following in the footsteps of Julio Rodriguez as another potential impact Dominican signee. He will make his U.S. debut in 2020.
• February, 2019 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Marte was one of top infield prospects in the 2018 international signing class, with the Mariners signing the Dominican Republic native for $1.55 million. While he has yet to make his pro debut, Marte participated in programs at the Mariners' complex in Peoria, Ariz., in the fall.
  
  Scouting Report: Marte was more than just a player groomed to stand out in showcases. He also showed the ability to perform in game situations. He has intriguing power-speed potential, with an advanced approach at the plate, good strike-zone awareness and plenty of raw power from a compact stroke with whippy bat speed. While he's got a strong build, Marte is light on his feet. He's a plus-plus runner, a tick better than he was when he signed because of added strength. He's got plenty of work to do to be able to stay at shortstop, including improving his footwork and arm accuracy. Marte's future position will likely be determined by how much he grows as the body matures.
  
  The Future: Like Julio Rodriguez before him, Marte will begin his pro career in the Dominican Summer League in 2019 and may spend the whole summer there before making his U.S. debut in 2020.