Will the Reds’ top young catcher stay behind the plate?
Keith Law of The Athletic (subscription required) is widely regarded as one of the most reliable evaluators of MLB prospects. With his extensive experience in assessing minor league talent, his recent assessment of Cincinnati Reds top prospect Alfredo Duno raises some concerns.
Law ranked Duno as the Reds’ No. 8 prospect, placing him just behind shortstop Sammy Stafura and ahead of right-hander Chase Petty. The young catcher, an international signee from a few years ago, made his stateside debut in 2024.
However, Duno’s season was disrupted by an injury that limited him to just 32 games and 139 plate appearances. With his injury-plagued year now behind him, the Reds are hoping for a much more productive 2025 campaign from their promising catching prospect.
MLB evaluator provides worrisome update for Reds’ prospect Alfredo Duno
Keith Law’s evaluation of Alfredo Duno raised concerns—not due to his injury, but because the 18-year-old catcher is nearing 260 pounds at 6-foot-2. That’s a significant amount of weight for a young backstop, leading to doubts about his ability to remain behind the plate long-term.
Similar concerns once surrounded Tyler Stephenson in the minors, though his issue was height rather than weight. At 6-foot-4, questions persisted about his viability as a catcher, though he has since proven capable. However, those doubts followed him throughout his time in the Reds’ system.
What makes Law’s assessment particularly troubling is Cincinnati’s lack of catching depth. Despite using high draft picks on Mat Nelson and Logan Tanner, neither has emerged as a reliable major league option. Duno was expected to be the Reds’ long-term solution at the position.
Law now projects Duno as a future first baseman or designated hitter, saying his chances of sticking at catcher are “close to nil.” This development could force the Reds to reassess their approach in the draft or trade market to address the position.
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