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Noelvi Marte Suspended for Positive Drug Test
Noelvi Marte, a 22-year-old infielder and top prospect for the Cincinnati Reds, has been suspended for the first 80 games of the season due to a positive test under Major League Baseball’s drug program.
Marte tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, making him the first player to be suspended under the big league program since Milwaukee right-hander J.C. Mejía was banned for 162 games on Sept. 20 for a positive test for Stanozolol. Mejía’s suspension marked his second offense under the program.
Expected to be the Reds’ starting third baseman this season, Marté was set to join Cincinnati’s core of young players, which includes Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
The suspension for Marté will be without pay, with his salary for this season likely to be slightly above the $740,000 minimum. Marté originally signed with Seattle from the Dominican Republic in July 2018 for a $1.55 million bonus before being traded to the Reds in July 2022 alongside three other prospects in exchange for All-Star right-hander Luis Castillo.
Making his major league debut on August 19 of last year, Marté impressed with a batting average of .316, three home runs, 15 RBIs, and six stolen bases in just 35 games. Throughout his time in the minor leagues last year, he maintained a batting average of .279 with 20 doubles, 11 homers, 45 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases across three levels.
As of this year, four players have faced disciplinary actions under the minor league program.
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