Scouting Report: Will Benson

Summary

Will Benson is a Cincinnati Reds right fielder who has recently been promoted to the leadoff spot but is experiencing a difficult stretch at the plate. In May 2026, he's hitting just .227 with a .414 on-base percentage thanks to six walks. Despite poor batting average results, advanced metrics show elite contact quality with a 62.5% hard-hit rate, 25.0% barrel rate, and 98.6 mph average exit velocity. His xBABIP of .339 is among the highest on underperformance lists, indicating he's been unlucky with balls in play. He was recently benched on May 18 against the Phillies after struggling, though he had started four consecutive games prior. The underlying metrics suggest his performance should improve as his luck normalizes.