Will Benson
OF CIN
Tue 5/23/23 2:38 PM

Cincinnati optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.
EDGE Analysis
TJ Friedl (oblique) is back from the injured list in a corresponding move. Benson, 24, has gone just 1-for-25 (.040) with 14 strikeouts and one walk in 10 major-league games this year with the Reds.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 5/20/23 5:48 PM

Benson was recalled by the Reds on Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
EDGE Analysis
Benson made the Reds' Opening Day roster but was sent down in mid-April after going 1-for-20 with 12 strikeouts. He struggled initially upon his demotion to Triple-A Louisville, but he's hit .259/.468/.556 since the calendar flipped to May, striking out just 16.5 percent of the time. He could get some opportunities over the next few weeks with Henry Ramos (hip) landing on the injured list.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 4/13/23 4:13 PM

Benson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
After starting the season with just a .145 OPS through eight games, Benson will return to the minors as Nick Senzel (toe) returns from the 10-day IL. The 24-year-old outfielder slashed .275/.424/.516 in Triple-A last season and could return to the big leagues if he puts up similar numbers.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 4/8/23 10:44 AM

Benson is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies.
EDGE Analysis
Benson is 1-for-13 with a walk and nine strikeouts through four games this year and will head to the bench Saturday with southpaw Bailey Falter pitching for Philadelphia. TJ Friedl will shift to left field while Jose Barrero starts in center.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Wed 4/5/23 9:07 AM

Benson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
Benson opened the season in a strong-side platoon role in the outfield, but his hold on a near-everyday gig could be slipping. He'll be taking a seat Wednesday versus Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman after going hitless with nine strikeouts in 12 at-bats through his first three starts of the campaign.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Mon 4/3/23 1:00 PM

Benson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
Cincinnati will go with a righty-heavy lineup to counter Cubs southpaw Drew Smyly, so Benson will take a seat along with fellow lefty-hitting regulars Jason Vosler and Jake Fraley. Stuart Fairchild will spell Benson in the corner outfield.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 4/1/23 10:39 AM

Benson will sit Saturday against the Pirates.
EDGE Analysis
Benson started in left field in the season opener but went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. Stuart Fairchild will take over in left with veteran southpaw Rich Hill on the mound for Pittsburgh.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Wed 3/29/23 2:49 PM

Benson has made the Reds' Opening Day roster, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
EDGE Analysis
After being traded from the Guardians to the Reds in early February, Benson entered spring training on the roster bubble. However, his spot on the Opening Day roster isn't particularly surprising due to his strong showing in Cactus League play. The 24-year-old hit .327 with a homer, five runs, three RBI and six stolen bases over 17 spring games and has displayed power potential in the minors over the past two seasons. While he has just 28 major-league games under his belt, Benson will be in the mix to serve as the Reds' primary center fielder to begin the year and offers decent power and speed upside.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Tue 2/28/23 7:05 PM

Benson has three stolen bases and has played good defense in center field early on in spring training, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Benson is hardly guaranteed an Opening Day roster spot, let alone regular playing time, but has some things working in his favor. Nick Senzel doesn't appear likely to be ready for the start of the season, and it's possible Joey Votto could also begin the year on the IL, pushing Wil Myers to first base. Moreover, the Reds don't have many left-handed hitting options in the outfield. Benson has a decent power/speed upside that would make him a decent home park streaming play, similar to teammate Jake Fraley.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Wed 2/8/23 6:56 PM

Benson was traded from the Guardians to the Reds on Wednesday.
EDGE Analysis
It was a swap of outfielders, with Justin Boyd heading to the Guardians in return. Cleveland will also get a player to be named later or cash considerations. Benson, the 14th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, went just 10-for-55 (.182) over his first 28 major-league games during the 2022 regular season. But he possesses decent power and speed and has put up a shiny .873 OPS in 116 career games at the Triple-A level. The 24-year-old should have a clearer path to a regular role in Cincinnati, and his skillset figures to play well at Great American Ball Park.