The Cincinnati Reds have a decision to make about their outfield personnel.
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Probably soon.
Reds left fielder Will Benson got a job after spring training and set his first MLB Sunday by scoring two runs without seeing a pitch.
Without an official at-bat during the 7-4, 10-inning victory over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, Benson produced his best offensive outing this season. In his first 18 games, he posted a .188 batting average and three runs scored.
In and out of the Reds lineup over the past four seasons, the 27-year-old has yet to match his 2023 form, when he hit 11 home runs in 108 games. In 2024, he hit just .187 in 343 at-bats. Last year, he was up and down again, hitting .226, but hit 12 home runs.
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How many opportunities does Benson have left?
Reds’ Will Benson fends off lesser competition
The Reds added free agent JJ ​​Bleday to a one-year, $1.4 million deal last offseason to compete with Benson and Nathaniel Lowe for outfield spots during spring training.
Bleday lost, mainly because he had minor league options available and the power and speed potential that Benson possesses was still intriguing. Bleday may force the Reds front office to give him a promotion soon, especially if Benson continues to decline. The fourth overall pick in the 2019 draft hit .338 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 20 games with Triple-A Louisville.
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Benson may need a few more performances like Sunday to maintain his spot in the MLB. He entered the game as a pinch runner in the ninth inning and scored on TJ Friedl’s three-run double. In the 10th, Benson was intentionally walked and scored on Rece Hinds’ two-run double, which capped the scoring.
Winners of four straight games, the Reds (15-8) defeated the host Tampa Bay Rays, 6-1, on Monday. The leaders of the National League Central Division won four consecutive victories.
Benson did not play.
How many possibilities do you have left?