The Dayton Dragons have revealed their roster for the upcoming 2026 season, showcasing several promising prospects from the Cincinnati Reds organization.

Alfredo Duno's High-A Debut

Among the key players making their High-A debut is Alfredo Duno, the 2025 Florida State League MVP. Duno dominated the league last season, leading in eight offensive categories and earning recognition as the league’s best prospect.

He also participated in the Arizona Fall League, where he impressed with a three-home run game in the semifinal matchup. “I’m learning to play baseball,” Duno said. “I know there’s a lot of good pitchers in the Fall League, so my goal is: I’m going to keep competing every day, and that’s it. I think I’ve faced more advanced pitchers, but I’ve also been catching them and I feel like I’ve learned both sides of the game. I’m improving on both sides of the game.”

Catching and Outfield Depth

Duno will be joined by Ryan McCrystal as the Dragons’ catchers. McCrystal, drafted in the ninth round of the 2024 MLB draft out of ECU, also has the ability to play first base and can pair with Duno in the lineup.

Kien Vu's Rapid Ascent

Kien Vu, an outfielder, will also be a key player to watch. Drafted in the summer of 2025, Vu overcame a slow start at the Single-A level to earn Florida State League Player of the Week honors.

In 77 at-bats, the 22-year-old slashed .273/.371/.532 with four home runs, 18 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. The Reds organization highly values his defensive skills and see him as a significant outfield prospect.

Pitching Prospect J.P. Ortiz

Jean-Pierre Ortiz, or J.P., pitched for Daytona last season and had an impressive performance. He finished with a 7-1 record and a 2.86 ERA in 26 games, striking out 83 batters while walking 33.

Ortiz features a fastball that reaches 96 mph, a changeup averaging 86 mph, and a slider. Scouts have noted the ease of his pitching motion and his confidence, leading the Reds to view him as a potential starting pitcher.