Jose Trevino’s rise could have Reds quietly preparing for offseason roster shakeup

Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers may have been Jose Trevino's best since joining the Cincinnati Reds. The veteran backstop called a great game behind the plate, had two outstanding defensive plays that changed the outcome, and was 1-for-3 with two RBI, including the game-tying hit in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Trevino has easily been the Reds' biggest offseason pickup — though a strong case can be made for Brady Singer — and will be a key factor for Cincinnati down the stretch.

The impact of Trevino's first year in Cincinnati, however, could have far-reaching implications heading into the offseason and 2026. There's a case to be made that Trevino has usurped Tyler Stephenson as the best catcher on the Reds' roster, which may allow Cincinnati's front office to shop their former first-round pick this coming winter.

Jose Trevino’s rise could have Reds quietly preparing for offseason roster shakeup

Next season represents Stephenson's final year of arbitration eligibility, meaning he'll be getting a pay raise and will be a free agent heading into the following winter. This season, his numbers have been less than stellar.

Stephenson is hitting just .226 this season with a career-low .705 OPS and a 92 wRC+. Stephenson's bat, not his glove, has always been his carrying tool, but the 29-year-old in having a disappointing season both at the plate and behind it. He's been terrific at blocking balls in the dirt, but his framing, pop time, and ability to throw out would-be base stealers are all subpar.

Unfortunately, the Reds are in a bit of a pickle. Although Alfredo Duno has been swinging a hot-bat this season, the Reds top catching prospect is several years away from the big leagues. Cincinnati has little to no depth beyond Duno in the minors, meaning if the Reds part ways with Stephenson this offseason, they'll have little behind Trevino other than a bunch of career Minor League backstops.

The Reds and Stephenson have never matched up on a long-term deal, and after a below-average season in 2025, it's difficult to see that happening this offseason. How Francona allocates playing time between Trevino and Stephenson over the final few weeks of the season may offer a hint into the Reds' offseason plans for their catching tandem.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors