Reds Insider Thinks One Player Is Poised for a Breakout in 2026

This would be huge for Cincinnati's offense.

Sep 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder Noelvi Marte (16) reacts with shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) after the victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

If the Reds don't add a middle-of-the-order bat this offseason, they'll need some current players to step up in a big way offensively in 2026.

MLB.com recently chose one player to break out on each team. For the Reds, that player was outfielder Noelvi Marte.

"Marte, who struggled offensively and defensively as a third baseman during his brief big league career, was moved to right field after the All-Star break in 2025 and seemed to feel a weight lift off his shoulders," MLB.com's Mark Sheldon wrote. "The club liked how instinctual he was playing the outfield and noticed it freed him up offensively as well. Marte was slated to get more reps in right field and center field during Dominican winter ball. With more experience, he could really come into his own as a hitter and fielder in 2026."

After starting the 2025 season with Triple-A Louisville, Marte appeared in 90 games for Cincinnati, slashing .263/.300/.448 with 33 extra-base hits. As Sheldon said, Marte appeared to get even more comfortable at the plate after switching to the outfield on a regular basis.

If Marte can continue to build on his impressive 2025 season, Cincinnati has a much higher ceiling offensively.

You can see MLB.com's full list here.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

Reds Infielder Matt McLain Reflects on Frustrating Season After Wild Card Series Loss

One Under-The-Radar Reds Prospect Participating in Arizona Fall League

Cincinnati Reds on Wrong Side of History After Another Postseason Loss

Former Cincinnati Reds All-Star Removed From Braves’ 40-Man Roster

Exclusive Interview With Cincinnati Reds Minor League All-Star

Cincinnati Reds Squander Chances in Season-Ending Loss to Dodgers

Sal Stewart Makes Reds History in Game 2 of National League Wild Card Series

Former Reds Pitcher Gets Out of Bases-Loaded Jam for Yankees, Has Epic Reaction

MLB Analyst Suggests Reds' Ace Hunter Greene Was Tipping Pitches Against Dodgers

Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Make Major League Baseball History

Cincinnati Reds Utility Player Elects Free Agency

Four Cincinnati Reds Players Nominated For All-MLB Team

Reds Become First Team Ever to Reach Playoffs Without Meeting These Statistical Marks

Brent Suter Does Impression of Terry Francona After Reds Clinch Playoff Berth

Milwaukee Brewers Show Pure Class After Cincinnati Reds Clinch Playoff Spot

Former Cincinnati Reds Outfielder Designated for Assignment

Former Cincinnati Reds Fan Favorite Claimed By Atlanta Braves

Cincinnati Reds Sign Former Wake Forest Pitcher to Minor League Deal

Cincinnati Reds Sign Former George Mason Pitcher to Minor League Deal

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram