Reds’ top prospect Noelvi Marte’s 80-game suspension delivers a heavy blow to the team’s 2024 season run plans.

Noelvi Marte [Image credit: Imago]

Cincinnati Reds top prospect Noelvi Marte delivers a major blow to the team’s 2024 postseason run. The shortstop was suspended for 80 games following positive PED results. He’s been suspended by the league without pay for violating its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

His test results came positive for using a drug named anabolic-androgenic steroid. As of now, he’s not been available for media appearances though his team announced its statement on social media, showering support for their young prospect. It’s the first suspension of the year prior to the MLB season.

The last person to get an 80-game suspension was Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2022. In 2023, ex-Milwaukee Brewers player J.C. Mejia was suspended for 162 games for testing positive for PED use. Fans reacted on X, following the outbreak of the news. One X user noted, “This team never stops disappointing the fans,” while another noted, “Mariners won the trade.”

The trade between the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds occurred during the 2023 trade deadline for starter Luis Castillo. Marte was regarded as a key return of the deal, but his early 2024 season suspension will undoubtedly cost the team its chances at the postseason run, even if by an inch.

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Fans react to Noelvi Marte getting 80-game suspension

Noelvi Marte was widely regarded as the No.1 prospect for Cincinnati Reds, and No.21 in MLB. Team manager David Bell said that Marte spoke to the team after receiving notice from the league on Friday. Fans are greatly devastated to learn about the news, especially right before the 2024 season starts.
Noelvi Marte [Image credit: The Athletic]
The team’s third base will no doubt receive some backlash following this incident as the team’s chances of making playoffs come into question. Bell stated that for now, the team will wait for the newbie’s return “with open arms” as they try to brave the waves.

“He’s gonna be greatly missed,” Bell noted. Last season, Marte showcased an amazing performance at the Majors by recording an impressive .316/.366/.456 in 123 plate appearances. With Marte off the charts for the Reds, the team may call up their veteran prospect Jeimer Candelario. Candelario stated, “I’ll be there for him” whenever Bell calls for him. For now, “we’re here to support him (Noelvi Marte) and be there for him.”