Will Benson

Benson began the 2025 season in the minors, logging just four at-bats with the big club over the first month-plus. After being recalled in May, Benson caught fire across a four-game stretch, hitting .533 with five of his 12 homers for the season. He then slumped to a .196/.238/.314 line over his subsequent 52 games, with the Reds demoting him again in August. The outfielder returned that same month and worked his way back into semi-regular playing time by the end of the campaign, logging a couple plate appearances in the wild-card round. The lefty slugger has now reached double-digit homers in three consecutive seasons, but he put the brakes on the running game last season, stealing only a couple bags after swiping 16 the year prior. An impressive athlete, Benson continues to tantalize with his batted-ball numbers from the left side of the plate. His strikeout rate was way down from previous seasons, but Benson still has a lot of swing and miss in his game. He will have to fend off competition and secure a platoon role in Cincinnati with a strong showing in spring training. Read Past Outlooks