The Cincinnati Reds are taking steps to address their catching depth after several departures in free agency following the 2024 season. With Tyler Stephenson being the only catcher left on the 40-man roster, the Reds have bolstered their minor league system by signing Alex Jackson and Will Banfield to minor league contracts.
Banfield, 25, was originally drafted by the Miami Marlins in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He spent most of his 2023 season with Double-A Pensacola, where he had a strong year, hitting 23 home runs with a .258/.302/.472 line. However, his performance in Triple-A Jacksonville in 2024 was less impressive, with a .247/.297/.379 line and only nine home runs in 371 plate appearances. Despite the drop in production, Banfield showed notable promise against left-handed pitchers, hitting .306/.330/.482 in Triple-A.
Defensively, Banfield stands out as a strong receiver with good athleticism and a strong arm. His pop time to second base was 1.95 seconds, which is considered above average and better than any Reds catcher in 2024. While the Reds will likely look for a more established backup catcher for the major league roster, Banfield’s signing, along with Jackson’s, provides added depth as the team continues to build out its catching options for the upcoming season.
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