Will Benson
OF CIN
Sun 3/22/26 10:47 AM

Benson is expected to make the Opening Day roster, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Reds announced a slew of roster moves Saturday and Benson survived the cuts, as both JJ Bleday and Rece Hinds were optioned to Triple-A Louisville. The roster doesn't have to be officially set until just before Opening Day, so a late waiver claim could bring a change. Benson, who swatted his fifth spring home run Saturday, is batting .250 (10-for-40) with eight walks, eight RBI and 14 runs scored over 16 Cactus League games.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Mon 3/9/26 9:43 AM

Benson went 1-for-4 with a two-run, inside-the-park home run in Sunday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.
EDGE Analysis
Benson legged out what looked like a garden-variety double down the line in right field, but he was able to touch all the bases when the ball got behind the outfielder. It was the third home run of the spring for Benson, who is locked in a battle with Rece Hinds and JJ Bleday for a depth spot in the outfield. Reds manager Terry Francona may want an extra left-handed bat, which would eliminate Hinds. All three outfielders have minor-league options remaining.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 1/8/26 2:48 PM

The Reds and Benson avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.725 million contract Thursday, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
EDGE Analysis
Benson had been arbitration-eligible for the first time. The 27-year-old slashed .226/.273/.435 with 12 long balls over 90 contests for the Reds in 2025. He could open the 2026 season as the Reds' left fielder against right-handed pitching, though he will have competition for playing time.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 9/27/25 3:22 PM

Benson isn't part of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Milwaukee.
EDGE Analysis
Benson will be on the bench for a second straight game, as southpaw Robert Gasser takes the mound for the Brewers on Saturday. Benson hasn't logged multiple hits in a game since Aug. 17, but he's hitting .239 during that stretch. Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl and Noelvi Marte will fill the outfield from left to right.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Fri 9/26/25 4:12 PM

Benson is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest in Milwaukee.
EDGE Analysis
The left-handed-hitting Benson had drawn 11 straight starts against right-handed pitching, but he'll take a seat Friday versus righty Quinn Priester. Gavin Lux and Noelvi Marte will occupy the corner outfield spots for the Reds, while Miguel Andujar will serve as the designated hitter.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Wed 9/24/25 9:01 AM

Benson started in left field and went 0-for-3 in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Pirates.
EDGE Analysis
Benson made a second consecutive start in left field with Austin Hays (back) unavailable. Hays ran the field Tuesday and reported the back did not respond well to the activity, per MLB.com, which suggests more opportunities for Benson if opponents start a right-hander. That will be the case Wednesday, when Pittsburgh is scheduled to throw Paul Skenes (2.03 ERA).

Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 9/18/25 8:53 AM

Benson started in center field and went 0-for-5 in Wednesday's 6-2 win over St. Louis.
EDGE Analysis
Benson got the start in center field, which is normally the purview of TJ Friedl, who was given the day off. Benson is experiencing an uptick in playing time and has started five of the last six games, playing every spot of the outfield. He's gone 4-for-16 with two home runs, one triple and five RBI during that stretch.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Mon 9/15/25 3:55 PM

Benson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals.
EDGE Analysis
After making starts at three different outfield spots and going 3-for-8 with two home runs, one triple, one walk and four RBI during the Reds' weekend series in Sacramento, the left-handed-hitting Benson will hit the bench while St. Louis sends southpaw Matthew Liberatore to the hill. Despite his big weekend, Benson is still likely to be more of a part-time presence in the lineup versus right-handed pitching while all of Austin Hays, Gavin Lux, TJ Friedl and Noelvi Marte are available.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Mon 9/15/25 8:38 AM

Benson started in left field and went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Athletics.
EDGE Analysis
Benson upped Cincinnati's lead to 3-0 with his second-inning home run. He's started four of the last five contests and gone deep three times during that stretch. The bump in playing time came out of nowhere for Benson, who rode the bench for the first 20 games after being called up in mid-August.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sun 9/14/25 2:30 AM

Benson went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 11-5 loss to the Athletics.
EDGE Analysis
Benson has featured primarily in a bench role since his Aug. 17 recall, though this was his second straight start as he covered for TJ Friedl, who was the designated hitter, in center field. Benson has posted a .229/.279/.448 slash line with 11 homers, seven doubles, two triples, two stolen bases, 36 RBI and 30 runs scored over 222 plate appearances this season. It's unclear if the outfielder will be able to carve out a larger role to close out the year, though he could get the chance to if Noelvi Marte continues slumping.