The offseason is getting underway for the Reds, and that means the organization’s minor leaguers are also shifting into winter mode. Some will head to the Arizona Fall League.
Others will take their game overseas. For Alfredo Duno, the destination is about as personal as it gets.
Cincinnati’s top prospect is headed home to Venezuela, where he’ll play for Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan League and check off a dream he’s had since he was a kid.
“Happy to be here. One of my dreams was to play for Leones del Caracas, and I am here to fulfill it,” Duno said in an interview.
Duno had already signed with Leones before joining the Reds organization, so this isn’t just another winter assignment. It’s a homecoming that has been building for a while.
"They (Cincinnati) didn't establish any restrictions; they did recommend that I stay healthy, enjoy the game, surround myself with experienced people, and take advice, but above all, enjoy the game."
At 20 years old, Duno is also in a spot where the Reds appear to want him around more seasoned arms. Winter ball in Venezuela should give him that.
The league is known for being one of the strongest and most competitive winter circuits around, and Caracas has routinely had veteran pitching around the roster. Last season, the Leones had eight pitchers with big-league experience, and Carlos Hernandez, who pitched for Leones del Caracas, appeared for the Cleveland Guardians in 2026.
That mix makes this a useful stretch for Duno on two fronts. He gets to suit up for the club he wanted as a child, and he gets a chance to keep moving forward as he prepares for the 2027 season.
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KeBryan Hayes became one of the most glaring examples of the problem, turning in historically poor offensive numbers by modern standards. His season only underscored how scattered the roster felt, with players underperforming not just at the plate but also in areas like defense and baserunning. For a Reds club trying to build a coherent contender, the challenge now is less about finding power and more about constructing a lineup that actually fits together. [Read more 🡒]
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Phil Castellini Put The Reds Biggest Leadership Problem Back In Focus
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For a team already dealing with questions about whether the front office and ownership are fully aligned, the comments only put the spotlight back on a bigger issue. A recent report pointed to internal blame being passed around inside the organization, and that kind of friction makes the next steps matter even more. The Reds can talk about improvement all they want, but until there is clearer accountability and a cleaner chain of leadership, the same concerns are likely to hang over everything they do. [Read more 🡒]