Will Benson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson will start Tuesday's contest against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates on the bench with left-hander Bailey Falter on the mound at PNC Park. Connor Joe will get the nod in right field and will hit in the nine-hole for Cincy. Benson has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball since being called up from Triple-A Louisville on May 10, going 12-for-30 (.400) with five home runs, three doubles, 11 RBI, one steal and seven runs scored in nine games played. The 26-year-old lefty hitter has essentially become the team's strong-sided platoon option in right field against right-handed pitchers thanks to his hot streak. He'll take a seat with a lefty on the mound on Tuesday, though, with Joe being an option to avoid in DFS in the ninth spot. Joe went hitless in nine at-bats with the Padres to start the year and has gone 6-for-15 with an RBI in four games with the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson is making another start in right field and is batting seventh in Monday's series opener against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander Mitch Keller at PNC Park. Benson has become a hot waiver-wire pickup in the last week after clubbing five home runs in his last four games, including two in Sunday's 3-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The 26-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder is now batting an impressive .367/.424/.933 with a 1.358 OPS, albeit in just 30 at-bats. The former 14th overall pick by the Guardians in 2016 has been a streaky hitter in his career, so fantasy managers will want to take advantage of this hot streak for however long it lasts. Since being called up from Triple-A Louisville on May 9, he's hitting .423 with 11 RBI. Benson's hot streak will be tested against Keller, who he's gone hitless against in 10 career at-bats.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson led the charge on Sunday, hitting two home runs and driving in all three of the Reds' runs in their 3-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians. Benson has been on an absolute tear at the dish, hitting homers in four consecutive games and driving in 10 runs over that stretch. The 26-year-old had a rough 2024 season and was in Triple-A to start this season, but hit well in the minors and earned a call-up on May 10. In his short time in the majors, Benson is now up to a .367 AVG with six runs scored, five homers, 11 RBI, and a stolen base in 30 at-bats. There was some hype around Benson in years past, and he might be finally breaking out. Even though it is a small sample size, Benson is worth a look in standard-size leagues in hopes he can keep it going.