The Cincinnati Reds announced a series of non-roster invitees to spring training today, signaling opportunities for players to compete for roster spots. Among those invited are catcher Will Banfield and right-hander Hagen Danner, both signed to minor league deals.
Depth Behind the Plate and on the Mound
The Reds are bolstering their spring training roster with experienced players looking to prove themselves.
- Will Banfield, a 26-year-old catcher, returns to the organization after being non-tendered in November.
- Hagen Danner, a 27-year-old right-hander, joins the Reds following stints with the Blue Jays and Mariners.
- Both players will compete for depth roles during spring training, providing valuable options for the team.
Banfield made his major league debut with the Reds last year, appearing in seven games and recording ten plate appearances. While he struck out six times and grounded into a double play, he also managed to get a single. The Reds released him in November, making him available on waivers, but have now brought him back on a non-roster contract. Despite not being a prolific hitter-though he did hit 23 home runs at the Double-A level in 2023-Banfield has a reputation as a strong defensive catcher, a skill the Reds clearly value.
Cincinnati already has a solid catching group consisting of Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino, and Ben Rortvedt. None of these players have minor league options remaining, meaning the Reds will need to carry three catchers or make a roster move unless an injury occurs. Banfield provides a glove-first option at the position and retains minor league options if he’s added to the 40-man roster.
Danner’s path to the majors has been unconventional. Originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays as a catcher, he transitioned to pitching. He debuted with the Blue Jays in 2023, pitching just a third of an inning. From 2021 to 2024,he pitched 114 minor league innings,maintaining a 3.00 earned run average with a 28.8% strikeout rate and an 8.3% walk rate.
the Blue Jays removed him from their 40-man roster before the 2025 season, after which he was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners and later outrighted. He spent last year with Triple-A Tacoma, in the hitter-amiable Pacific Coast League, logging 56 1/3 innings with a 5.59 ERA,a 21.4% strikeout rate, and an 8.3% walk rate. Becoming a free agent at the end of the season, Danner now has a chance to showcase his abilities with the Reds. The team sees value in adding depth to their pitching staff with a low-risk, non-roster signing. If Danner earns a spot on the roster, he will be out of options.
