Reds FeedWill Banfield
C · Age 26 · Bats Right
Where things stand
Will Banfield joined the Cincinnati Reds roster in late August after the team optioned Noelvi Marte, allowing Tyler Stephenson to reduce his catching workload and serve as designated hitter occasionally. Banfield appears to be the organization's third option at catcher behind Stephenson and Jose Trevino, with top prospect Alfredo Duno still developing in the minor leagues. The Reds face significant uncertainty at the position heading into the offseason, as Stephenson is set to enter free agency and has indicated he is prepared to leave the organization.
Synthesized by MLB Feed Network from the 4 stories below. How we write these
2026 season
Stats from the MLB Stats API.
Contract
See the full Reds payroll.
Will Banfield coverage
Alfredo Duno isn’t the Cincinnati Reds catcher yet, but he’s close
The Cincinnati Reds face uncertainty at catcher heading into the offseason after Tyler Stephenson enters free agency, leaving Jose Trevino and Will Banfield as their only controlled options. Prospect Alfredo Duno, a 20-year-old Venezuelan catcher, has emerged as the organization's long-term solution at the position after hitting .322/.406/.488 in 138 plate appearances at Double-A Chattanooga in 2026. Duno projects as both a strong defender and offensive contributor, with a minor league career batting average of .285 and slugging percentage of .499 across 1,262 plate appearances. The Reds will likely advance Duno to Triple-A in 2027, potentially positioning him for a mid-season MLB debut similar to recent young catchers like Ethan Salas and Samuel Basallo.
Red ReporterReds face an ugly reality if Tyler Stephenson reaches free agency
Tyler Stephenson, the Cincinnati Reds' longest-tenured player, is set to enter free agency for the first time after the season ends at age 30. The catcher indicated he is mentally prepared to leave the organization and is looking for a significant payday, with no mention of interest in returning to Cincinnati. The Reds lack strong internal catching options to replace him, with backup Jose Trevino limited offensively, prospect Will Banfield appearing to be a third-string option, and top prospect Alfredo Duno too young and inexperienced to promote immediately. Stephenson figures to be the second-most sought-after catcher on the free agent market behind Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers, likely generating substantial interest from teams needing catching help.
Blog Red MachineReds demote Noelvi Marte in move that could unlock their best lineup
The Cincinnati Reds optioned struggling outfielder Noelvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, his second demotion this season. Marte has batted just .189 with a 24.7% strikeout rate since being recalled in early June. The move allows catcher Will Banfield to join the roster, freeing up Tyler Stephenson to serve as designated hitter once or twice weekly instead of catching the second-most games in baseball this season.
Blog Red Machine7 Reds players who could earn September call-ups following Michael Toglia's arrival
The Cincinnati Reds promoted Michael Toglia from Triple-A Louisville to the active roster after he hit 22 home runs in the minor leagues. With roster expansion to 28 players coming September 1, the Reds have several candidates for call-ups, including pitcher Zach Maxwell, who has struggled with command, and infielder Edwin Arroyo, who hit .244 in 44 games earlier this season. Other potential September additions include catcher Will Banfield, pitcher Chase Petty, and infielder Michael Chavis, who has posted a .249 average with 21 home runs in 92 Triple-A games.
Blog Red Machine