Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 4/10/25 6:07 AM

Benson started in left field and went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's 8-6 loss to San Francisco.
EDGE Analysis
Benson struck out swinging four times -- three whiffs and one foul tip -- in his season debut after being called up from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He swung the bat well for the Bats, but Wednesday's effort was reminder of his struggles in 2024, when Benson struck out 39.7 percent of the time against major-league pitching.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Tue 4/8/25 5:58 PM

The Reds recalled Benson from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.
EDGE Analysis
The 26-year-old missed out on Cincinnati's Opening Day roster but will join the active roster with Carson Spiers being demoted and Matt McLain (hamstring) heading to the injured list. Benson had a .650 OPS in 128 games last season and will likely operate as a reserve outfielder.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 3/15/25 11:52 AM

The Reds optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.
EDGE Analysis
Benson had a pretty underwhelming season with the Reds in 2024, slashing .187/.274/.376 with 14 homers, 43 RBI and 16 stolen bases over 128 games. He managed to bounce back during Cactus League play, posting an .853 OPS over 30 plate appearances, though 10 of those plate appearances ended in strikeouts. He'll head to Triple-A for now, though Benson could return to Cincinnati if he gets hot or outfield depth becomes an issue.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 2/22/25 7:17 AM

Benson was not part of Cincinnati's Opening Day roster projection compiled by C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic.
EDGE Analysis
Benson dropped off a cliff in 2024, posting a .187/.274/.376 line over 388 plate appearances, which puts an MLB job in jeopardy. There are still some moving parts before manager Terry Francona settles on a 26-man roster, so Benson to the minors is not a done deal. His eventual assignment hinges on the health of Spencer Steer (shoulder), and whether the manager has Gavin Lux stick mainly to infield duty.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 2/1/25 10:02 AM

Benson reworked his swing during the offseason, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Benson needed to do something to become a more competitive option for the outfield in 2025. He batted .187 (.180 expected average) with a 39.7 strikeout percentage last year. Benson managed to provide some value with 16 steals, though finding playing time may be harder in this season. The Reds recently added outfielder Austin Hays and plan to move Matt McLain to center field; it will be hard for Benson to carve out a regular role with such a crowded mix in the outfield.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sun 9/22/24 9:15 AM

Benson went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Pirates.
EDGE Analysis
Benson, who has started just five of 19 games this month, was in the starting lineup for a second straight contest. He singled, stole second base and waltzed home on an Elly De La Cruz home run. The stolen base was Benson's second in as many games and upped his season total to 16.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sat 9/21/24 9:37 AM

Benson went 0-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 8-3 win over Pittsburgh.
EDGE Analysis
Benson walked to lead off the fourth inning, stole a base and came home on Tyler Stephenson's bases-loaded double. The swipe was Benson's 15th of the season and first in 25 games. His playing time has been erratic over the last few months due to a batting average that has remained below the Mendoza Line since June 19.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Fri 9/20/24 8:57 AM

Benson entered Thursday's game as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-2 in a 15-3 loss to Milwaukee.
EDGE Analysis
Benson, who struck out as a pinch hitter with a runner in scoring position, stayed in the game and finished out as the designated hitter. He had been dealing with a finger injury and hadn't appeared in a game since Sunday.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Thu 9/19/24 11:28 AM

Benson (finger) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against Atlanta.
EDGE Analysis
Benson hasn't made a start since being removed from a Sept. 12 game against the Cardinals with a left middle finger injury, but he's appeared off the bench in two contests since then and appears to have moved past the issue. The 26-year-old hasn't been a regular in the Cincinnati lineup in September and will likely see sparse playing time heading into the final week of the season.

Will Benson
OF CIN
Sun 9/15/24 11:15 AM

Benson (finger) is absent from Sunday's lineup against the Twins.
EDGE Analysis
Benson is not starting for a third straight game after sustaining an injury to his left middle finger during Thursday's game against the Cardinals. He did enter Saturday's game against the Twins in the bottom of the seventh inning in right field, and he hit an RBI single in the eighth frame. Benson will likely be available out of the dugout for Sunday's series finale, and with the Reds scheduled for an off-day Monday, the 26-year-old could return to the lineup for Cincinnati's upcoming home series against Atlanta.