Get ready for an electrifying season of Dayton Dragons baseball—because the 26th season is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be one for the books! But here’s where it gets controversial: with a roster stacked with talent, including one of the most hyped prospects in Dragons history, the question isn’t just who will play—it’s who will shine. And this is the part most people miss: the catchers could be the key to it all.
The Dragons kick off their home schedule on Tuesday, April 7, with their annual ‘Opening Night’ game against Ohio rivals, the Lake County Captains (Cleveland Guardians affiliate), at 7:05 pm at Day Air Ballpark. But don’t wait until then to catch the action—the season officially starts on the road on Thursday, April 2, against the Lansing Lugnuts. With a 132-game schedule ahead, including 66 home games, there’s plenty of baseball to look forward to.
The Dragons are one of 12 teams in the Midwest League, classified as ‘High-A,’ and divided into two six-team divisions. Over the next four weeks, we’re breaking down the roster in an eight-part series, starting with the catchers. For tickets, visit daytondragons.com/tickets or call (937) 228-2287.
Spring training is in full swing in Goodyear, Arizona, where 165 minor league players are battling for spots in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Add 40 major league players and 11 minor leaguers training with the big league squad, and you’ve got 216 players vying for just 146 active roster spots. Talk about fierce competition!
The Reds’ full-season affiliates remain the same: Louisville Bats (Triple-A), Chattanooga Lookouts (Double-A), Dayton Dragons (High-A), and Daytona Tortugas (Single-A). Players not making the cut will head to Extended Spring Training in Arizona, playing informally until the Arizona Complex League Reds start in May.
Now, let’s talk catchers—because this is where the fireworks begin.
Leading the pack is Alfredo Duno, a 20-year-old Venezuelan phenom standing at 6’3” and 248 lbs. Duno isn’t just any prospect—he’s the highest-rated catcher ever to play for the Dragons and one of the top prospects to pass through Dayton, period. Baseball America ranks him as the #2 prospect in the Reds organization, trailing only Sal Stewart. But here’s the kicker: Duno dominated the Florida State League in 2025, a league notorious for being hitter-unfriendly. He led in eight key categories, including home runs (18), RBIs (81), and OPS (.948). His signature moment? A three-homer game in the Arizona Fall League playoffs, with two blasts over 450 feet. Think about that—entire Dragons seasons without a single 450-foot homer, and Duno did it twice in one game.
But here’s the controversial part: With Duno’s elite talent, how will the Reds manage the catcher position? Will Ryan McCrystal, a standout in his own right, get enough playing time? Or will Diego Omana’s defensive prowess finally get the spotlight it deserves? These are questions that could divide even the most loyal fans.
McCrystal, a 2024 ninth-round pick from East Carolina University, split 2025 between Daytona and Dayton, hitting .295 with the Tortugas and .271 with the Dragons. His defense is a work in progress, but his bat speaks for itself. Will he catch regularly, or will the Reds shift him to first base or DH to make room for Duno? It’s a decision that could define the season.
Then there’s Diego Omana, the 23-year-old Venezuelan whose defense was nothing short of stellar in 2025. He shut down opposing base stealers so effectively that teams stopped trying. But his bat hasn’t caught up, hitting just .200 last season. Will his glove be enough to secure a spot? Or will his offensive struggles keep him on the bench?
Here’s the bigger question for fans: If Duno is as good as advertised, could he be the next Tyler Stephenson or Devin Mesoraco? Or even better? And what does this mean for the Dragons’ chances this season? Let’s just say, the buzz is real.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we dive into the first basemen. But for now, one thing is clear: the catchers are going to be the talk of the town. What’s your take? Do you think Duno will live up to the hype? Should McCrystal get more playing time? Let us know in the comments—this is a debate you won’t want to miss!
