The Tyler Stephenson Dilemma: Reds' Catcher Future Hinges on More Than Just Alfredo Duno
The Cincinnati Reds are staring down a catching conundrum that’s quietly becoming one of the most pressing roster questions heading into the next two seasons. Tyler Stephenson, their 29-year-old backstop, is inching toward free agency in 2026, and while the Reds have mapped out long-term and short-term plans behind the plate, the middle ground? That’s where things get murky.
Stephenson has shown flashes of being a legitimate offensive weapon - his 134 wRC+ in 2022 was elite for a catcher - but the inconsistency is hard to ignore. Just one year later, he dipped to an 85 wRC+, and the defensive metrics tell a similar story of extremes.
He’s among the league’s best in blocking (95th percentile in Blocks Above Average) but struggles mightily in pitch framing (13th percentile). That kind of profile makes it tough to commit big dollars long-term, especially at a position where defensive reliability is non-negotiable.
So, what’s the plan if Stephenson walks?
Right now, the Reds don’t have a clear answer. Jose Trevino is in the fold, but he’ll be 34 by the time Stephenson hits the open market. While Trevino brings value - a Gold Glove winner in 2022 and a respected game-caller - asking him to carry a starter’s load over a full season at this stage of his career feels like a stretch.
That brings us to Alfredo Duno - the name that’s generating as much excitement as it is uncertainty.
Duno’s Bat Is Loud, But Can He Catch?
If you’re not familiar with Duno yet, it’s time to get acquainted. The 19-year-old put up a .948 OPS and a 163 wRC+ in 2025, flashing serious offensive upside. Eighteen home runs, six steals, and a bat that’s already drawing attention across the league - Duno’s potential is real, and Reds fans have every reason to be excited.
But here’s where the rubber meets the road: can he stick behind the plate?
Scouts love his arm, but there are concerns about his size (6’2”, 210 lbs) and his pop time. Catching is one of the most physically demanding positions in baseball, and Duno hasn’t even reached High-A yet.
The Reds’ rotation is built on young, high-upside arms, and they’ll need a backstop who can handle the defensive grind, call a game, and manage the staff. That’s a tall order for a 20-year-old who’s still learning the nuances of the position.
Trevino as the Bridge - But for How Long?
Trevino’s presence gives the Reds a bit of breathing room. He’s under contract through 2027 with a club option for 2028. Even if he’s no longer the defensive wizard he once was, his experience and leadership behind the plate are valuable assets - especially if Duno is the long-term plan.
But relying solely on Trevino as the bridge between Stephenson and Duno is risky. If Duno isn’t ready by 2027 - and that’s a real possibility given how slowly catchers typically develop - the Reds could find themselves in a tough spot. Trevino shouldn’t be expected to shoulder a full-time role at that point, and there’s no clear Plan B in the system right now.
The Clock Is Ticking
The Reds don’t have to make a decision today, but the window is narrowing. Every day that passes without a Stephenson extension makes it more likely that he’s not part of the long-term vision. And while Duno offers a tantalizing glimpse of the future, there’s a lot of ground to cover before he’s major-league ready - especially at a position where defensive acumen is just as important as offensive production.
There’s still time to find a bridge, whether that’s a trade, a free-agent signing, or internal development. But the Reds are walking a tightrope here.
Betting on Duno’s upside is one thing - betting on his timeline is another. And if they’re not careful, they could find themselves with a championship-caliber rotation and no one to catch it.