Get ready for an electrifying season of Dayton Dragons baseball, because the 26th season is almost here! But here’s where it gets exciting: the Dragons are kicking things off with a bang, hosting their annual ‘Opening Night’ game on Tuesday, April 7, at 7:05 pm at Day Air Ballpark. And who’s the opponent? None other than their Ohio rivals, the Lake County Captains (affiliated with the Cleveland Guardians). But before you mark your calendars, there’s a twist—the Dragons will actually start their season on the road, facing the Lansing Lugnuts on Thursday, April 2. Talk about a thrilling start!
This season, the Dragons will once again tackle a 132-game schedule, including 66 home games, as part of the 12-team Midwest League, classified as ‘High-A.’ Over the next four weeks, we’re diving into an eight-part series previewing the candidates for the 2026 roster. And this is the part most people miss: spring training is already in full swing in Goodyear, Arizona, with 216 players battling for spots in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Only 146 will make it onto active rosters, so the competition is fierce. For tickets, visit daytondragons.com/tickets or call (937) 228-2287.
Let’s talk catchers—the heart of any team’s defense. But here’s where it gets controversial: Alfredo Duno, a 20-year-old Venezuelan phenom, is not just any catcher. Standing at 6’3” and 248 lbs, he’s the highest-rated catching prospect in Dragons history and the #2 prospect in the Reds organization, trailing only Sal Stewart. Duno dominated the 2025 season with the Daytona Tortugas, winning the Florida State League MVP and leading the league in eight key categories, including home runs (18) and RBIs (81). Here’s the kicker: the Florida State League is notoriously tough on hitters, making Duno’s achievements even more impressive. Baseball America raves about his ‘advanced understanding of the strike zone’ and projects him as a consistent 25-home-run hitter. His signature moment? A three-homer game in the Arizona Fall League playoffs, with two blasts over 450 feet—a feat rarely seen in Dragons history.
But here’s the question: How will the Reds manage Duno’s playing time in Dayton? Will he catch every day, or will they use him as a designated hitter to keep his bat in the lineup? This decision could impact Ryan McCrystal, a versatile catcher/first baseman who had a standout 2025 season split between Daytona and Dayton. McCrystal could be an everyday catcher in other circumstances, but with Duno in the mix, he might split time between catching, first base, and DH duties. Then there’s Diego Omana, a 23-year-old Venezuelan whose defense is elite—he shut down opposing base stealers in 2025—but his hitting has yet to catch up. Could he be Duno’s backup if McCrystal stays at first base? What do you think? Should the Reds prioritize Duno’s development or balance playing time for all three catchers? Let us know in the comments!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we’ll break down the first basemen. The 2026 season is shaping up to be unforgettable, and you won’t want to miss a moment!
