Cincinnati Reds: Five players likely to make their big league debut in 2020

4. Tyler Stephenson, Catcher

Tucker Barnhart will be a free agent following the 2021 season with a team-option for 2022. Curt Casali is up for arbitration once again after the upcoming season. The Cincinnati Reds made an unsuccessful effort to sign Yasmani Grandal this offseason, leading fans to believe the team is looking for an upgrade a catcher. Tyler Stephenson could be that guy.

After missing out on J.T. Realmuto last offseason and Grandal this winter, the Reds ceased their pursuit of an upgrade behind the plate. Perhaps that’s because Dick Williams and Nick Krall feel as though Stephenson will be up the task in the very near future.

Injuries slowed Stephenson’s ascension early in his career, but a very successful season at Double-A Chattanooga in 2019 and a terrific showing in the Arizona Fall League has the 23-year-old knocking on the door of the big leagues. Stephenson slashed .347/.418/.490 in 13 games with the Glendale Desert Dogs.

The Cincinnati Reds have more than enough options behind the dish. Barnhart has been an above-average defensive catcher for years, winning a Gold Glove back in 2017. Casali is likely to platoon , with the veteran backstop this season and Kyle Farmer can always don the tools of ignorance as well.

But, none of the catchers in the Reds clubhouse possess the offensive prowess that Stephenson does. Currently ranked the No. 7 prospect in Cincinnati’s farm system according to MLB Pipeline, Tyler Stephenson could find his way onto the major league roster before September call-ups.