Reds' Top Prospects Expected to Lead Dayton Dragons in 2026

Highly rated catcher Alfredo Duno and returning standouts Carlos Sanchez and John Michael Faile headline the anticipated Dragons roster.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:10am

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A dynamic, abstract painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Reds' team colors, conceptually representing the talented young players expected to lead the Dayton Dragons this season.The Dayton Dragons' 2026 roster is expected to showcase the Reds' top prospects, including a fractured, cubist depiction of their dynamic young talent.Today in Dayton

The Dayton Dragons, the Reds' High-A affiliate, are expected to feature several of the organization's top prospects on their opening day roster in 2026. Catcher Alfredo Duno, ranked the Reds' No. 2 overall prospect, is projected to headline the group, which could also include shortstop Carlos Sanchez and first baseman/catcher John Michael Faile, both returning from last season's Dragons squad.

Why it matters

The Dayton Dragons have long been a key part of the Reds' player development pipeline, with many of the organization's top young talents passing through the Midwest League affiliate on their way to the majors. The 2026 roster is expected to continue that trend, giving Reds fans an early look at some of the organization's most promising up-and-coming stars.

The details

Duno, a 20-year-old Venezuelan catcher, is expected to be the highest-rated prospect to play for the Dragons this season. He is ranked the Reds' No. 2 overall prospect behind third baseman Sal Stewart and could move up even further once Stewart graduates to the major league roster. Duno dominated the Low-A Florida State League last season, leading the league in several offensive categories. Sanchez and Faile are also expected to return to Dayton after strong 2025 campaigns. Sanchez, a 21-year-old shortstop, played multiple positions for the Dragons last year, while the 25-year-old Faile led the team in home runs and RBIs.

  • The Reds will announce the Dayton Dragons' 2026 opening day roster in early April, just ahead of the Midwest League season opener on April 7.
  • Last season, the Dragons went on a remarkable late-season run, winning 18 of their final 19 games to climb out of the Midwest League cellar.

The players

Alfredo Duno

A 20-year-old catcher who is ranked the Reds' No. 2 overall prospect and is expected to be the highest-rated prospect to play for the Dragons this season. Duno dominated the Low-A Florida State League in 2025, leading the league in several offensive categories.

Carlos Sanchez

A 21-year-old shortstop who is ranked the Reds' No. 28 prospect. Sanchez played multiple positions for the Dragons in 2025 and is expected to return to Dayton this season.

John Michael Faile

A 25-year-old first baseman/catcher/designated hitter who led the Dragons with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs in 2025. Faile was signed as a free agent by the Reds in 2023 after playing Division II college baseball.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously the main priority is going to be our players' development along with the coaching staff that we have and having good communication with them. The common goal is to develop the best players we can so they can go out and perform and eventually play in Cincinnati.”

— Julio Morillo, Dayton Dragons Manager

What’s next

The Reds will announce the full Dayton Dragons roster in early April, just ahead of the team's season opener on April 7 against the Lake County Captains.

The takeaway

The Dayton Dragons have long been a crucial part of the Reds' player development pipeline, and the 2026 roster is expected to continue that trend. With top prospects like Alfredo Duno, Carlos Sanchez, and John Michael Faile leading the way, Reds fans will get an early look at some of the organization's most promising young talent.