After the 2024 season, the Cincinnati Reds saw several catchers depart to free agency across Double-A, Triple-A, and the major leagues, leaving just one catcher—Tyler Stephenson—on the 40-man roster. This created a need to add depth at catcher, particularly in the upper levels of the minor leagues. The Reds’ first move was to sign Alex Jackson to a minor league deal shortly after the start of minor league free agency. They later added another gifted player to minor league contract
The 25-year-old was a second-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2018 from Brookwood High School. Over the years, he’s worked his way up through their system. In 2023, he had his best season in the minors, spending the entire year with Double-A Pensacola, where he hit 23 home runs and posted a .258/.302/.472 line.
In 2024, Banfield played the entire season at Triple-A Jacksonville. However, his power didn’t translate as well in Triple-A, where he hit .247/.297/.379 with nine home runs in 371 plate appearances. He also recorded 24 walks and 105 strikeouts, continuing a trend of a low walk rate and high strikeouts throughout his career.
Banfield’s potential value could come against left-handed pitching, as he posted a .306/.330/.482 line against them in Triple-A in 2024. His splits in 2023 were more balanced, though he had a slight advantage of 31 points when facing right-handed pitchers.
Behind the plate, Banfield is most notable for his strong defensive abilities. He’s an athletic receiver with a solid arm. In 2024, his average pop time to second base was 1.95 seconds, considered above average and better than any Reds catcher in that season.
The Reds are expected to sign more catchers this offseason, with the goal of adding a more established backup, either through free agency or a trade. However, the signings of Banfield and Jackson provide added depth, similar to the acquisition of Austin Wynns last year.
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