Big news is brewing in the world of Major League Baseball as the Cincinnati Reds prepare to debut a new face behind the plate. With catcher Tyler Stephenson sidelined due to a thumb injury and set to consult a hand specialist, the Reds have called up 25-year-old Will Banfield from Triple-A Louisville. Banfield, who’s set to make his long-awaited MLB debut, brings a compelling backstory and a reputation as a top defensive prospect—just the kind of narrative that makes baseball so thrilling!
Banfield’s journey to the big leagues has been anything but straightforward. The Reds signed him to a minor-league contract last November after he spent the previous season with the Miami Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. There, Banfield honed his skills, preparing for the moment when opportunity would finally knock. And now, with Stephenson’s injury opening the door, Banfield is ready to step through and show Cincinnati what he’s made of.
Banfield’s numbers this season with the Louisville Bats may not leap off the page—he’s batting .220 with two home runs and 23 RBIs across 253 plate appearances—but those stats only tell part of the story. His defensive prowess is what truly sets him apart. In fact, Banfield was widely regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in the 2018 MLB draft. Scouts and coaches alike have raved about his leadership and ability to manage a pitching staff, qualities that can’t always be quantified in a box score.
The Reds’ decision to promote Banfield comes at a pivotal time. With Stephenson’s health uncertain and the team needing stability behind the plate, Banfield’s reputation as a steady presence could prove invaluable. He’ll be wearing No. 49 for Cincinnati, a fresh number for a fresh start. Reds fans are eager to see if Banfield can translate his minor league promise into major league performance.
Banfield’s baseball journey began long before his professional debut. Born and raised in Snellville, Georgia, he attended Brookwood High School—the same alma mater as former Reds pitcher Lucas Sims. Sims, a first-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2012, carved out a solid career in Cincinnati before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in July 2024. The connection between Banfield and Sims is more than just shared geography; it’s a testament to the baseball pedigree that runs deep in Georgia’s high school ranks.
Before focusing exclusively on baseball, Banfield was a true multi-sport athlete. He played football and swam competitively until his junior year of high school, showcasing the kind of athletic versatility that often translates well to the demands of catching. According to MLB.com’s Sean Rocca, Banfield actually played shortstop until he was 13 years old, only donning the catcher’s gear when one of his travel teams needed someone behind the plate. That willingness to adapt and put the team first has become a hallmark of Banfield’s career.
The Miami Marlins saw Banfield’s potential early on, selecting him with the 69th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 MLB draft. At the time, Banfield was committed to play for Vanderbilt University, one of college baseball’s powerhouse programs. But the Marlins’ offer—$1,800,000—was enough to persuade him to turn pro. Over the next several years, Banfield worked his way through the Marlins’ minor league system, earning a reputation as a stalwart defender and a developing hitter.
Banfield’s best offensive year came in 2023, when he hit .258 with 23 home runs in 495 plate appearances for the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a former Reds affiliate. That power surge hinted at a player who was beginning to put it all together. Former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker, himself a former Reds player, was effusive in his praise of Banfield during spring training in March 2024. According to Schumaker, “Banfield, we love. He’s been great. Definitely has the leadership quality to be a Major League catcher. He’s as good as anybody, and is becoming a good hitter. Last year was a major step for him in the right direction with power and understanding how to hit.” High praise from a man who knows what it takes to succeed at the big-league level!
As Banfield prepares to make his MLB debut, he joins a Reds organization that has seen its share of ups and downs in recent years. The 2018 draft, which brought Banfield to the Marlins and saw the Reds pick pitcher Lyon Richardson 22 spots earlier, also marked the arrival of Jonathan India to Cincinnati as the fifth overall selection. India has since become a cornerstone of the Reds’ infield, and fans are hoping Banfield can make a similar impact behind the plate.
Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins have been busy with roster moves of their own. On August 22, 2025, the Marlins’ 40-man roster underwent an update that saw pitcher Cal Quantrill claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves. To fill the void, Miami recalled Ryan Gusto from Triple-A Jacksonville, further shuffling their pitching staff as the season enters its critical stretch. These moves underscore the constant churn of major league rosters, where opportunity and heartbreak often arrive in equal measure.
For Banfield, the move to Cincinnati represents both a fresh start and a chance to prove that he belongs at the highest level. His journey from Georgia high school standout to minor league grinder to major league debutant is the kind of story that resonates with baseball fans everywhere. Will Banfield seize his moment and cement himself as a fixture in the Reds’ lineup? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in his career.
As the Reds await updates on Tyler Stephenson’s thumb injury and Banfield prepares to don the catcher’s gear in the big leagues, all eyes will be on Cincinnati to see how this latest roster move plays out. With Banfield’s defensive skills and leadership qualities, the Reds hope they’ve found a steady hand to guide their pitching staff through the dog days of summer and beyond. Baseball, as always, finds ways to surprise—and this week, Will Banfield is at the heart of the story.