MLB Network analyst’s 2024 prediction for Reds outfielder has blown up in his face

Back in January, MLB Network’s Brian Kenny made a bold claim — Will Benson was going to be the fifth-best right fielder in baseball during the 2024 season. This hot take slotted him in ahead of proven stars like San Diego Padres' Platinum Glove-winning outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and Texas Rangers All-Star Adolis Garcia.

Unfortunately for Benson and the Cincinnati Reds, this prediction has crashed and burned. Benson has struggled mightily and currently sits below the Mendoza Line and is hitting just .190.

Benson has always been an electric, high-energy type of player with a sense for the big moment and a unique power-speed combination. Benson's first career home run came in the most dramatic fashion last season and was followed by a legendary bat flip (slam) and celebration. But the everyday inconsistency continues to evade his game and creates questions on whether or not Benson can maintain his role as major league starter

Will Benson’s swing and miss is holding him back from being an everyday contributor for the Reds

It’s the same old song and dance for Benson — too many strikeouts. Benson has struck out 118 times in 293 plate appearances this season. That equates to a 40.3% strikeout rate which is the worst in Major League Baseball according to Baseball Savant.

While Benson ranks in bottom of the league in strikeout rate and whiff rate, his chase rate and walk rate are both in the 74th percentile or higher. Essentially, Benson misses way too many pitches in the strike zone. 

When Benson does connect, it’s loud. The Reds right fielder had 10 home runs heading into the All-Star break while barreling up the baseball almost 12% of the time. Benson has a very Joey Gallo-esque profile. A tall, left-handed hitter with comparable 6-foot-5 body types, the Reds have a frustrating player model on their hands.

The Reds find themselves in an interesting position with Benson. For a team that could be on the lookout for a long-term answer in center field at the MLB trade deadline, Benson’s time in Cincy could be running out. No matter how the Reds choose to handle him in the coming weeks, Kenny’s prediction for Benson’s season has gone terribly awry. 

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