3 Reds players who've exceeded expectations during their first year with the organization

2. Outfielder Will Benson has exceeded expectations in his 1st year with the Reds.

Not many major league players got off to a worse start in 2023 than Will Benson. The former Cleveland Guardians' farmhand looked utterly lost at the dish after a successful showing during spring training, and many fans wondered if Reds Cincinnati Reds GM Nick Krall really whiffed after swapping two young prospects for Benson prior to the season.

But Benson, after a trip to Triple-A to hone his skills, has been one of the best hitters in baseball since returning to the Reds lineup. Few fans will forget that monumental bat spike following his walk-off home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and that one moment seemed to launch Benson into the spotlight.

Benson has been occupying the bottom of the Reds lineup of late, and while some fans want to see him hit higher in the batting order, the left-handed hitter brings speed, power, and good eye to the bottom-third of the lineup.

Will Benson has seven home runs on the season and 10 stolen bases. He's also played above-average defense as he's seen time in both corner outfield spots. With an OPS of nearly .900, Benson is a force to be reckoned with.

The former first-round pick is still pre-arbitration eligible and will not even become a free agent until after the 2028 season. At only 25 years old, Benson looks to be a fixture in the Cincinnati Reds lineup for years to come.