The Cincinnati Reds welcomed back Jose Trevino from the injured list after the 33-year-old catcher finished his rehab assignment at High-A Dayton and worked his way back from a balky back.
Trevino’s return matters because Cincinnati is getting back the part of his game that has carried his value for years: defense. In 2022, the former New York Yankees catcher was an All-Star, posted a fielding run value of 23 and produced 3.8 fWAR, even though his best year at the plate came with a 90 wRC+.
That profile fits what the Reds have asked of him. He is their backup catcher, and his presence gives the club a veteran option behind the plate while it continues to sort through a young catching group in the organization.
That is where Alfredo Duno enters the picture. The 20-year-old catcher is one of Cincinnati’s more intriguing prospects, but he is still working through defensive flaws, including blocking balls in the dirt, getting rid of the ball quickly enough to throw out runners and framing. He spent the offseason working with Salvador Perez, a reminder that the Reds see both the promise and the work still ahead.
Trevino’s rehab stint at Dayton was useful for more than just the major league roster. It also put an established defender back in the same system as a prospect whose offense offers upside but whose catching needs refinement. For the Reds, the next step is simple enough: Trevino is back, and his glove can steady the position while the club keeps developing Duno.
