Reds Top Prospect Training with Future Hall of Fame Catcher

Alfredo Duno works with Salvador Perez on defensive drills and game-calling

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Cincinnati Reds' number-two prospect, 20-year-old catcher Alfredo Duno, has been training this offseason with nine-time MLB All-Star Salvador Perez, who is expected to be a future Hall of Famer. Duno, who had a breakout 2025 season in Single-A, has been working on his defense and game-calling with Perez, considered one of the best defensive catchers in the game.

Why it matters

Duno is a key part of the Reds' future, and his development behind the plate is crucial. Working with an elite veteran like Perez should help Duno shore up any remaining weaknesses in his game and prepare him for the jump to the major leagues.

The details

In a video posted on social media, Perez was shown training Duno and fellow Reds prospect Freddy Fermin on defensive drills, pop time, and framing. Reds pitching prospect Johnathan Harmon praised Duno's athleticism and ability to call games, saying "I'll never shake you off again" after Duno called the right pitch in a key situation. Duno led the Florida State League in several offensive categories in 2025, showcasing his power and on-base skills.

  • Pitchers and catchers reported to Reds camp on Monday, February 12, 2026.
  • The first full-squad workouts begin on February 16, 2026.

The players

Alfredo Duno

The Cincinnati Reds' number-two prospect, a 20-year-old catcher who had a breakout 2025 season in Single-A.

Salvador Perez

A nine-time MLB All-Star catcher who is expected to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame once his career is over.

Freddy Fermin

A Cincinnati Reds prospect who has also been training with Perez and Duno this offseason.

Johnathan Harmon

A Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect who praised Duno's athleticism and game-calling ability.

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What they’re saying

“He's super athletic. I tell him all the time, 'man, you would be an edge rusher in the NFL'. He's like, 'you think, Papi?' You think? I was like, 'I don't think. I know, man. I know'. Absolutely. He'd probably be playing on Sundays, too, for sure. I think he's on his own pedestal. I've never seen a catcher that big, that physical hit a ball like that, man. I've never been around that before ever.”

— Johnathan Harmon, Reds pitching prospect (SI.com)

“I'm thinking, like, he doesn't know how to really call what pitches. So, I'm about an 0-2 count, pretty good hitter, forget who was hitting. I shook off, shook off change up to go to blow him up with a heater, you know. Kid, hits a freaking double off, man. I go up to Duno, I was like, 'Papi. I'll never shake you off again.' I didn't give up a run after that. So, he's just a special, special, special player, man. He's going to play in the big leagues for a long time. So, he's him.”

— Johnathan Harmon, Reds pitching prospect (SI.com)

What’s next

Pitchers and catchers reported to Reds camp on Monday, and the first full-squad workouts begin on February 16. Fans will be eager to see how Duno's work with Perez translates to his performance on the field this spring.

The takeaway

Duno's opportunity to train with a future Hall of Fame catcher like Salvador Perez is an invaluable experience that should accelerate his development and help him take the next step towards becoming the Reds' catcher of the future.