Reds could be stuck with a nightmare at catcher if Tyler Stephenson leaves

The Cincinnati Reds chose not to trade Tyler Stephenson at the deadline despite strong demand for catchers, a decision that may haunt them if he leaves in free agency. Stephenson, who turns 30 this offseason, is set to hit the open market, and the Reds lack viable alternatives—their prospect Alfredo Duno is too young to rush to the majors, and Jose Trevino cannot be a full-time starter for a run-starved team. Free agent options like Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers and Chicago's Carson Kelly are either unproven or inferior to Stephenson's career production, leaving Cincinnati with limited choices if they fail to re-sign him.

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