Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
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.
Strengths
- + Elite contact quality with 62.5% hard-hit rate
- + Strong barrel rate of 25.0%
- + High average exit velocity of 98.6 mph
- + Excellent xBABIP of .339 indicating quality contact
- + Strong on-base percentage of .414 in May
- + Six walks drawn in May showing plate discipline
- + Promoted to leadoff spot showing manager confidence
- + Advanced metrics suggest imminent improvement
Weaknesses
- - Batting only .227 in May
- - Batting .071 over the last week
- - Recently benched against Phillies
- - Struggling with results despite quality contact
- - Inconsistent playing time
- - Competing for lineup spot with other outfielders
About
Will Benson is a left fielder for the Cincinnati Reds.
Player Overview
LF
Cincinnati Reds