Héctor Rodríguez's meteoric rise is threatening this Reds player's spot already

By now, Cincinnati Reds fans have heard of Sal Stewart. One of the organization's top draft choices from just three years has rocketed up through the Reds farm system and could very easily receive a call-up at some point this season. But another young prospect is hot on Stewart's tail.

Héctor Rodríguez has had an equally impressive season in the Minor Leagues. The young outfielder posted a .298/.357/.481 slash line in Double-A, but has been even better since making the jump to Triple-A. Since landing in Louisville, Rodríguez is hitting .372/.471/.535 and has taken his already impressive plate discipline to another level. Rodríguez has just as many walks as he does strikeouts.

Rodríguez, a player the Reds acquired from the New York Mets at the 2022 MLB trade deadline, could finally be that power-hitting outfielder that the Cincinnati faithful have been begging for. It will come with a cost, however, and Will Benson's time in Queen City could be coming to a close.

Héctor Rodríguez's meteoric rise is threatening Will Benson's spot on the Reds roster

Benson is already in a precarious spot. Though he's played tremendous defense in center field while TJ Friedl was on the paternity list, Benson's likely home is in one of the two corner outfield spots. The Reds recently have shifted Noelvi Marte to right field, making it even more difficult for Benson to find regular playing time.

Reds manager Terry Francona has already shown an inclination to play Jake Fraley over Benson in right field, and with good reason. Though Benson blasted a two-run home run during Cincinnati's 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Friday afternoon, he was hitting just .183 with a 24 wRC+ during the month of July. His plate discipline had been horrid; failing to record a single walk during his 61 plate appearances last month.

With the upcoming roster shuffle brought on by the additions of Ke'Bryan Hayes, Zack Littell, and Miguel Andujar, Benson may find himself alongside Rodríguez in Louisville at some time next week. The Reds have several roster moves they'll need to make before Monday's game in Chicago, and Benson will most likely be optioned back to Triple-A.

It's unlikely that Rodríguez will usurp Benson's spot on the Reds roster this season. Benson is still pre-arbitration eligible, under team control through 2029, and has minor-league options remaining. That type of depth is important. But if Rodríguez keeps hitting, and Benson doesn't break out of his slump, the former Cleveland Guardians' farmhand could find himself buried on the Reds depth chart.

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