Former Cincinnati Reds infielder Alex Blandino has embarked on a remarkable journey in his baseball career, transitioning from a position player to a knuckleball pitcher now plying his trade in the lower Minor Leagues. At 31 years old, he finds himself in Single-A Daytona, alongside teammates significantly younger, pursuing a fresh dream of making it to the Major Leagues with a rare and challenging pitching style.
Selected 29th overall in the 2014 Draft by the Reds, Blandino made his MLB debut in April 2018, enjoying three seasons with the club before his shift in focus. Reflecting on his time in Daytona during his initial ascent through the Reds’ system, Blandino sees parallels and nostalgia in his return to the same level, this time as a pitcher rather than an infielder.
His transition to pitching began with brief appearances on the mound in blowout losses for the Reds, where he experimented with a knuckleball amidst mostly fastballs. Following stints in Triple-A with the Giants and Mariners organizations in 2022 and representing Nicaragua in the 2023 World Baseball Classic as a position player, Blandino made the decision to fully commit to pitching. This led him to hone his knuckleball skills in Southern California, impressing the Reds enough during offseason workouts to earn a Minor League contract.
Blandino’s journey continued through Minor League camp and extended spring training, culminating in his debut in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League on June 8. Despite initial challenges, including control issues in his first game at Daytona, Blandino remains optimistic and focused on refining his craft. He acknowledges the steep learning curve associated with transitioning from a position player to a pitcher, emphasizing the importance of consistency and building confidence.
In his pursuit of mastering the knuckleball, Blandino has sought guidance from veteran knuckleball pitchers like Tom Candiotti and Steven Wright, highlighting the tight-knit and supportive nature of the knuckleball community. While acknowledging the rarity of knuckleball pitchers in today’s MLB, Blandino remains undeterred, drawing inspiration from those who have mastered the art before him.
Beyond his personal journey, Blandino has become a mentor to his younger teammates, sharing his experiences of big league life and offering guidance both on and off the field. His transition has also provided him with a newfound perspective on the game, particularly from the vantage point of a pitcher, a role he once observed with curiosity from the perspective of an infielder.
Looking ahead, Blandino approaches his development without setting specific timelines or expectations for reaching the Majors. Instead, he focuses on enjoying the daily grind of the baseball season, relishing the camaraderie of being part of a team, and striving to improve with each opportunity on the mound. His ultimate goal remains clear: to contribute effectively as a pitcher and to continue learning and growing in his new role within the game he loves.
As Blandino navigates this challenging yet fulfilling chapter of his baseball career, his story serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring pursuit of a dream, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines both Minor League baseball and the unwavering passion of its players.
