The Cincinnati Reds have lost several players to free agency in the last couple of days and on Friday another one took their opportunity to declare for free agency and test the open market. Outfielder Will Benson, who had been in Triple-A Louisville, is now a free agent.
Will Benson joined the Reds in April of 2023 when he was traded from Cleveland in a deal that sent outfield prospect Justin Boyd to the Guardians. After a very tough start, he was sent to Triple-A and turned things around and was quickly brought back to Cincinnati and put together a strong year as he hit .275/.365/.498 in 108 games with the big league club that year.
Then 2024 happened. He struggled in a big way, hitting just .187/.274/.376. Things went a little better in 2025, but still didn’t go well as he hit just .226/.273/.435. It was more of the same in 2026 as he hit .188/.310/.333 in 51 games with Cincinnati before he was sent to the minor leagues. Eventually he would be designated for assignment and clear waivers. He was then outrighted to Louisville where he spent the rest of the season. His bat didn’t come around in Triple-A, either, as he hit .205/.295/.312 in 66 games.
Benson was just never able to find that consistency he showed in 2023 once that season came to an end. His defense was good enough and his threat of power off of the bench was there that he was kept around on the big league roster often enough to play in 269 games over the last three seasons. But during that time the power and defense wasn’t enough. Baseball Reference has his three years from 2024-2026 at -0.9 WAR while Fangraphs had those three seasons at -0.4 WAR.
Along with TJ Friedl, two different outfielders who took the field on Opening Day this season for the Reds (Friedl started, Benson came off of the bench) were both designated for assignment and took their chance to become free agents.
Just seemed like Benson was always on Tito’s naughty list for some reason. I felt he was an excellent defender and came up with a lot of big hits for the Reds… sad to see him go
Difficult to hit being out of line up for days then pinch hitting then inserted into lineup and then back on bench. Nice guy great teammate loved his enthusiasm for the game
Oh No! Now what will the Reds do to fill the huge hole of lost production?
Very likable guy and easy to root for. Sad it didn’t work out for him with the Reds.
Wish him well. Maybe he can rediscover his magic somewhere else. He’s still young enough to have a few more good years.
Exactly how I feel about Will Benson. I wish him the best of luck!
He was given more than a chance to succeed with the Reds. Certainly, more than CES, Hinds, and a host of others. Wish him well, but I don’t see that replacing him will be an insurmountable challenge. At least, no more so than the typical Reds need.
Yes
not a big loss.
Sounds like Toglia was claimed by the Mariners as well. Certainly don’t think they’ll miss the AAAA guys.
And Michael Toglia claimed by Seattle
Wish him all the best
I wish him well. Personally I’m glad he’s not around anymore just for the temptation Krall will have of bringing him back up. Of course the Reds could sign him again I guess. lol
Nothing missed by seeing Friedl or Benson go. Major League Baseball is very hard and both of them contributed to some fun times for a bit.
In 2025 and 2026 I would have liked for their at bats to go to CES and Rece Hinds to see if they could develop. But Tito has a really short leach on young players.
I actually think Hector and Carlos Jorge could make big contributions in 2027 if given a decent chance. Not sure Tito is gonna be willing to give that chance though.
Also, if Blake Dunn can rebound to be able to throw from the outfield after injury, there is an average center fielder in there.
A lot of changes have to come this offseason…Unfortunately Benson couldn’t stay consistent through 2024-2026 seasons aside very few clutch moments he couldn’t come through very often striking out much times…At some point in 2023 I think he was another guy who could become an All-star caliber player for the Reds in a near future since he’s pretty talented but he wasn’t…
Doug or someone can clarify if I am incorrect, but by declaring free agency after accepting an outright assignment during the season, will guys like Friedl and Benson be able to sign minor league deals, participate in MiLB activities during the off-season, and play in MiLB games if that season goes forward on schedule???
This could be a potential advantage in getting into game shape and finding a lost groove, which in turn could give them a better chance of eventually getting a bench spot on an MLB team.
Benson has talent, just not able to get it all together as a Red. The outfield is being thinned. A leader is needed, especially in centerfield.
Future Oriole/Marlin/Rockie