Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 9/1/22 2:02 AM

Benson is slashing .143/.211/.143 with one RBI and seven runs scored through his first 38 major-league plate appearances.
EDGE Analysis
The 24-year-old rookie hasn't record a multi-hit effort or an extra-base hit in 17 games. Benson has started the last two games in center field as the Guardians try to address their offensive void at that position with Myles Straw slumping. Benson could provide some speed if he got on base more consistently, as he had 16 steals in 20 attempts in 89 games for Triple-A Columbus prior to his call-up at the start of August.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Mon 8/1/22 1:21 PM

The Guardians confirmed Monday that Benson will be called up from Triple-A Columbus ahead of Cleveland's series opener with the Diamondbacks, Joe Noga of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
EDGE Analysis
The lefty-hitting Benson has gotten exposure to all three outfield spots in addition to making three starts at first base for Columbus this season, and the latter position is where he may end up having his clearest path to playing time as he begins his tenure in the big leagues. The Guardians were down both of their top two first baseman -- Josh Naylor (ankle) and Owen Miller (forearm) -- for Sunday's 5-3 win over the Rays, so it's possible either of the two is placed on the 10-day injured list Monday to facilitate room for Benson. Prior to his promotion, the 24-year-old Benson had enjoyed a huge season at Columbus, where he slashed .275/.424/.516 with 17 home runs and 16 stolen bases while striking out in only 22.7 percent of his plate appearances.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Fri 7/8/22 3:03 PM

Benson is hitting .254/.421/.476 with 13 home runs, 14 steals and a 65:73 BB:K through 72 games with Triple-A Columbus this season.
EDGE Analysis
Once considered a top-100 prospect, Benson fell flat on his face in Triple-A after being promoted last season, and with his lengthy track record of striking out and hitting for low average, it was hard to expect much this year. However, after a so-so start to 2022 that saw Benson continuing to struggle with contact, he's made a stunning reversal over the last month. Over the course of his last 21 games, Benson has posted a .293/.500/.547 batting line with a stunning 32:19 BB:K -- that's a 29.6 percent walk rate and 17.6 percent strikeout rate. There's always going to be swing-and-miss in his game, but Benson's power, speed and patience make him an intriguing post-hype sleeper who's right on the doorstep of the big leagues.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Wed 6/19/19 11:58 AM

Benson was promoted to High-A Lynchburg on Wednesday, Emily Waldon of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
The 21-year-old had a stellar first half of the season, resulting in his second straight appearance in the Midwest League All-Star Game. He's on pace for 36 home runs, 110 RBI and 88 runs, which would all shatter his previous career-best numbers. Considering his excellent hitting, it might be in the club's best interest to provide more challenging competition for Benson sooner rather than later.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 4/4/19 2:36 PM

Benson will return to Low-A Lake County for the start of the 2019 season, MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
This is not a surprise, as Benson hit .180 and struck out 30 percent of the time over a full season at Low-A last year. Even with those struggles, he was an above-league-average hitter (102 wRC+), which speaks to his raw power (22 home runs) and willingness to take a walk (16.2 BB%). He is still just 20 years old, so the book has not yet been written, but Benson will need to rebound in a big way to return to must-roster status in dynasty leagues.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 4/26/18 10:26 AM

Benson went 2-for-3 with two home runs Wednesday for Low-A Lake County against West Michigan.
EDGE Analysis
The tooled up 19-year-old can be a tough player to get a handle on for dynasty-league purposes, as his .238 average last year in the New York-Penn League is his best mark to date. However, he has made excellent strides at the plate so far this season. Benson is walking at a career-best 18.2 percent clip while also striking out a career-best 27.3 percent of the time. He has made these improvements all while posting a career-high .269 ISO, which ranks third in the Midwest League. A .233 BABIP is suppressing his batting average (.212), so there's still a buying opportunity if his owner is not carefully tracking Benson's improvements. He is a better bet in OBP leagues, but Benson's high-end power combined with above-average speed could someday make him an excellent contributor in all formats if he keeps the strikeouts in check.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Mon 9/18/17 10:02 PM

Benson finished 2017 slashing .238/.347/.475 with 10 home runs, 36 RBI and 29 runs over 56 games in the New York-Penn League.
EDGE Analysis
The Tribe's first-round pick in 2016 started slow against short-season pitching, but Benson's batting average improved each month. He finished tied atop the league's home run leaderboard, while ranking in the top five for RBI, triples (five) and OPS (.823). Benson's 33.9 percent strikeout rate can obviously use some work, but plate discipline should develop as the teenager bags more experience.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 7/8/17 5:22 PM

Benson, 19, is hitting .200/.231/.360 with one home run and 21 strikeouts in 50 at-bats in the New York-Penn League.
EDGE Analysis
When the Indians popped Benson with the 14th overall pick last year, it was a true boom-or-bust selection, and so far the returns have been pretty troubling. He has the kind of tools dynasty-league owners covet, but may never be able to hit enough for those tools to shine in games.