Will Benson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson could open the season in the minor leagues. Given the depth in the Cincinnati outfield, Benson may be on the outside, given his poor performance in the majors last season. However, manager Terry Francona did note that the 26-year-old will be given opportunities in the spring. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his performance in spring training as it will likely provide clarity on where he will open the campaign. Last season, the former 14th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft posted a poor .187/.274/.376 line with 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases across 128 games. This was a sharp decline from the .275/.365/.498 line he held during the 2023 campaign. He will compete for a corner outfield spot alongside Stuart Fairchild, Santiago Espinal, and Blake Dunn during camp.

According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson has reworked his swing during the offseason. Rosecrans noted that the 26-year-old had done this to give him a better opportunity to earn a role in a crowded outfield. Last season, Benson took a significant step back as he held a .187/.275/.376 slash line with 19 doubles, 14 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. In 2023, Benson posted a strong .275/.365/.489 line with 11 home runs and 19 stolen bases. In 2024, Benson generated a 40.1 percent hard-hit rate and a hefty 39.7 percent strikeout rate, both worse than his 2023 production. During the offseason, the Reds added Austin Hays to their outfield and have expressed interest in moving Matt McLain to center field. In addition, the Reds also have Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, and Jake Fraley in their outfield. As a result, Benson will need to perform very well in spring training to open the season with a starting role.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson (finger) is out of the lineup again on Thursday versus the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park. Benson injured his left middle finger on Sept. 12 and hasn't played since, but apparently he's feeling better after coming off the bench in the team's last two games. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger will continue to be an outfield bench bat to close out the season. He does have 14 round-trippers on the year and 14 stolen bases in 328 at-bats, but he's hitting just .192 (63-for-328). Benson has played in just seven games in the month of September and has only one hit, an RBI, three walks and five strikeouts in his 13 plate appearances. Since the All-Star break, he's hit .200 (14-for-70) with four homers, four doubles, 10 RBI, nine walks and 30 strikeouts in 79 plate appearances.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson (finger) was forced to leave Thursday's game early against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals when his fingers were hit while trying to bunt. X-rays came back negative on Benson, though, and he was diagnosed with a bruised left middle finger. Before exiting the eventual 6-1 loss, Benson was hitless in his only at-bat with a strikeout. He was replaced by pinch-hitter Amed Rosario and was eventually replaced in left field by Jake Fraley. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider Benson day-to-day, but don't be surprised if he's not available for Friday's series opener in Minnesota against the Twins at Target Field. The 26-year-old former 14th overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2016 has a modest power/speed combination as a platoon player in Cincy with 14 homers and 14 stolen bases, but his .191 average (62-for-325) has been a real drag.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson played a role in Monday's victory versus the Atlanta Braves. Benson went 2-for-2 with a walk, two stolen bases and a solo home run, before being pinch-hit for with Austin Slater in the top of the ninth inning. On the season, Benson is only hitting .194, but he has provided 11 homers, 34 RBI and 13 stolen bases. With sporadic playing time, the outfielder does not offer much value outside of the deepest daily leagues. He can safely remain on the waiver wire for now, but could become intriguing if the Reds make moves at the trade deadline and Benson gets a bigger opportunity.