It’s an exciting time for Cincinnati Reds supporters!
Top prospect Sal Stewart has been tearing it up since his promotion to Triple-A Louisville, posting impressive stats with a .323/.399/.653 slash line across 33 games. His recent performance included a massive 460-foot homer during a two-homer, four-RBI game, making it clear why fans are eager to see him called up to the majors. Stewart’s offensive talent could inject much-needed energy into a lineup craving firepower.
However, despite all the buzz around Stewart, there’s another promising Reds prospect who might actually have even more potential right now.
That player is Alfredo Duno, a catcher for the Daytona Tortugas, who recently earned Florida State Player of the Week honors after dominating Single-A pitching this season.
Duno, who signed as an international free agent, debuted professionally in 2023 at age 17. After an injury-shortened 2024, he has absolutely excelled in the Florida State League in 2025, leading the league in doubles (30), home runs (14), RBIs (73), walks (85), and runs scored (71).
While his bat is impressive, the Reds are also hoping Duno can develop into a reliable defensive catcher. He possesses a strong arm but has committed nine errors this season. At 6-foot-2, some scouts worry he might outgrow the catcher position as he continues to grow.
With veteran Jose Trevino joining the Reds on a contract through 2027 (with a 2028 option), the team has a perfect mentor in place to help guide Duno’s development behind the plate. Still, the 19-year-old isn’t expected to make the major leagues before 2027 at the earliest.
The next couple of years in the minors will be crucial for Duno’s growth. Cincinnati has struggled to develop young catchers recently, and the hope is that Duno’s continued offensive success and steady defensive improvements could change that. If he continues to progress, Reds fans may soon be cheering to see him donning the red pinstripes.
