Jose Trevino's contract extension reveals Reds' masterplan, but there's plenty of risk

It may seem at first glance like Jose Trevino’s extension is about the Cincinnati Reds’ current catching crisis. Tyler Stephenson is injured, and more importantly, Stephenson and the Reds have made no movement toward an extension as his 2026 free agency nears.

However, Trevino’s deal, which now extends through 2027 and will cost $15 million, has as much to do with the next generation of Cincinnati catchers as it does with the current backstops.

This deal is as much a vote of confidence for top catching prospect Alfredo Duno as it is for Trevino. Duno has been the heir apparent to Stephenson since signing with the team as a 17-year-old in early 2023. There are some big red flags, though, that might spoil the Reds’ plans.

Jose Trevino contract extension signals the Reds’ confidence in catching prospect Alfredo Duno

No one seems to doubt Duno’s offensive talent. His large frame enables him to generate significant raw power, which FanGraphs estimates could have a ceiling as an 80-grade tool. He also has sneaky speed for his size. Even if he loses a step as he gets older (he’s still only 19), he has the skills to be a fitting replacement for Stephenson’s bat.

The concerns revolve around Duno’s defensive capabilities. After missing much of the past two seasons, he came into spring training quite a bit heavier than his listed weight of 210. This added bulk, especially at such a young age, provokes concerns about his mobility, conditioning, and athleticism. He’s shaping up to be more in the mold of a first baseman/DH than a backstop.

Duno’s history of injury and lack of experience also raise some eyebrows. Since signing two years ago, he’s played just 77 games, and just 21 of those were as a catcher. He struggled with an elbow injury in 2023, so he only got into games as a DH, and his 2024 season ended abruptly due to a broken rib. A healthy 2025 would go a long way toward erasing these doubts.

In essence, Trevino seems to be the representative who will pass the baton between Stephenson and Duno, but Trevino’s light hitting and Duno’s questionable development have many fans worrying about the long-term state of the catching corps.

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