The Cincinnati Reds signed a number of international prospects last week with Venezuelan-born shortstop Liberts Aponte the most highly-rated among them. A glove-first infielder, scouts rave about Aponte's defense, and it's quite possible that Reds fans could see the young shortstop in the big leagues some day.
But while the Reds' development staff is no doubt excited about the prospects of Aponte and other recently signed international talent, Cincinnati has several foreign-born players in their pipeline at the moment who could make a splash in 2025.
Perhaps no international prospect in the Reds' farm system is more highly-regarded than catcher Alfredo Duno. Signed as an international free agent two years ago, Duno came stateside last season after spending his first year of pro ball in the Dominican Republic.
Reds' desperately need top international prospect Alfredo Duno to overcome injury-plagued start
Duno battled an elbow injury during his stint in the Dominican Winter League in 2023. The ailment prevented the young backstop from setting up behind the dish, but Duno was still able to swing the lumber. In 45 games in the DOSL, Duno hit .303/.451/.493 with six home runs and 41 RBI. He showed great patience at the plate as well, striking out just 41 times while also drawing 38 free passes across 152 at-bats.
But Duno's 2024 campaign was cut short due to a rib injury. Only able to suit up for 32 games, Duno posted a .267/.367/.422 slash line for Low-A Daytona, and while his walk-rate dropped a touch, the overall numbers were quite promising.
#Reds No. 10 prospect Alfredo Duno has six hits in his past 13 at-bats, including his first homer of the season.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/Iu16pAKjNw
— Daytona Tortugas (@daytonatortugas) April 23, 2024
Cincinnati's catching depth, both in the major and minor leagues, is virtually nonexistent. Despite heavily investing in the position during the past few drafts, the Reds have received little in terms of production from their minor league backstops. Mat Nelson, Cade Hunter, and Logan Tanner have yet to make a major impact.
Developing catchers is no easy task, but with Tyler Stephenson now just two years away from free agency, the Reds may need to hit the panic button. Unless Stephenson is signed to contract extension between now and 2027, the Reds will be up a creek without a paddle.
Seeing a healthy 2025 season from Duno would go a long way toward calming the fears of the Reds' front office and fanbase. Duno is one of the top prospects in the Reds' farm system, but he has to stay on the field. The 19-year-old's 2025 season is an important one in terms of his overall development.