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Reds should call up Will Benson from Triple-A

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jackson Huxel | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 10:05 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds are 3-7 to start the season as the team has struggled at the plate and sits presently with the sixth-lowest batting average (.210), seventh-lowest slugging percentage (.621), OPS (.352), and third-lowest OBP (.269).

The pitching however has been dominant with ninth-best ERA at 3.41, second-best WHIP (1.02), and the fifth-best.BAA (.201). Last week, the Reds became the second team in the live-ball era to lose three straight games 1-0.

Cincinnati's outfielders have struggled at the plate. T.J. Friedl is the best hitter out of the fielders accumulating a .289 average with one home run and four RBIs. Following him is a drop of 70 percentage points with Gavin Lux who's hitting .219 with three RBIs and ten strikeouts. Then you see a 65 percentage point drop with Blake Dunn at .154 with a home run and an RBI. Finally, the biggest surprise comes from Jake Fraley sitting at .148.

Will Benson is proving his doubters wrong in Triple-A

The Reds traded for Will Benson from the Guardians in 2023 for Justin Boyd and cash considerations. He made an immediate impact in 2023 slashing .275 with 11 home runs, 31 RBIs, 19 stolen bases, .383 rOBA, and 124 OPS+

Last season, Benson struggled batting .187 with 14 home runs, and 43 RBIs. Benson continued to struggle in spring training before being optioned into Triple-A.

The option might've been a blessing in disguise. Benson is currently hitting, slugging .585, a .942 OPS, two home runs, eight RBIs, and five extra-base hits.

Benson brings a powerful bat with a career batting average of balls in play of .331 and an isolated power of .190. Benson is a spark plug with his emotional hardcore play, making him a lovable fan favorite. Bringing a career run-scoring percentage of 34.7 and a nine percent extra-base hit percentage.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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