MLB evaluator provides worrisome update for Reds' prospect Alfredo Duno

Keith Law of The Athletic (subscription required) is one of the most trusted prospect evaluators in Major League Baseball. Law has undeniable experience when it comes to assessing top minor league talent, so it's somewhat troublesome to hear his recent evaluation of Cincinnati Reds top prospect Alfredo Duno.

Duno came in at No. 8 among all Reds prospects according to Law, situated right behind shortstop Sammy Stafura and ahead of right-handed pitcher Chase Petty. Duno was an international signee a few years back and spent his first time stateside in 2024.

Unfortunately, Duno suffered an injury that derailed his 2024 campaign, limiting him to just 32 games and 139 plate appearances. The Reds are hoping to get a lot more out of their top catching prospect with his injury-riddled season now in the rearview mirror.

MLB evaluator provides worrisome update for Reds' prospect Alfredo Duno

But the injury wasn't what was concerning during Law's evaluation, but rather the fact that Duno is approaching 260 pounds. At 6-foot-2, that's a lot of weight to be carrying for a catcher, especially for an 18-year-old, and there are now concerns as to whether or not he can stick behind the plate over the long haul.

Similar questions were raised with regard to Tyler Stephenson during his time in the minor leagues. It wasn'y Stephenson's weight, but his height. At 6-foot-4, there were questions about Stephenson's long-term future as a backstop. To date, he's put those concerns to bed, but that was an issue that constantly dogged Stephenson throughout his time in the Reds farm system.

The reason that Law's revelation is so worrisome is Cincinnati's lack of depth at the catcher position. Even though Cincinnati has expended numerous high draft picks on players like Mat Nelson and Logan Tanner, neither has developed into a serviceable big league catcher. Duno was supposed to be the Reds' catcher of the future.

Law is projecting Duno as a first baseman or designated hitter in the future, calling his chances of sticking as a catcher "close to nil". That's not reassuring, and it may dictate future moves the Reds will have to make in the upcoming draft or on the trade market.

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