When the Cincinnati Reds traded for catcher Jose Trevino from the New York Yankees this offseason, he arrived with a strong reputation as a top-tier defensive catcher. Pairing him with Tyler Stephenson’s powerful bat seemed like a logical move. However, as is often the case with veterans on a Terry Francona-led team, Trevino’s most valuable contribution lies in his experience and ability to mentor the Reds’ young talent.
Trevino has taken several young players under his wing in camp, dedicating time to understanding not just their pitching styles but also their communication preferences, backgrounds, and personalities. Most notably, he has begun building a strong connection with catching prospect Alfredo Duno.
Jose Trevino’s mentorship could accelerate Alfredo Duno’s rise through the Reds minor leagues
Although Duno isn’t on the official spring training roster, he is training with the team in Goodyear and will be eligible to play in the Spring Breakout games. At just 19 years old, he was ranked the 29th-best prospect in baseball by FanGraphs and is expected to be a key part of the Reds’ future. However, a high ranking doesn’t guarantee success, which is where Trevino’s mentorship could prove invaluable.
Duno has faced concerns about his size—while his larger frame generates impressive power, it could limit his agility behind the plate. Given the Reds’ struggles in developing homegrown catchers, keeping Duno at the position would be beneficial for the organization. Trevino, a Platinum Glove winner in 2022 with the Yankees, could help Duno refine his framing and positioning to offset any mobility challenges.
Injuries have also been a challenge for Duno early in his career, just as they have for Trevino since his All-Star season in 2022. If the two spend time rehabbing together and exchanging insights on the Reds’ pitching staff, their growing partnership could pay dividends for Cincinnati in the years ahead.
