Reds roster move raises real questions about Will Benson's future in Cincinnati

The deadline to protect prospects from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft came and went on Tuesday, and the Cincinnati Reds added three fresh faces to the 40-man roster. Cincinnati selected the contracts shortstops Edwin Arroyo and Leo Balcazar, and outfielder Héctor Rodríguez. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Reds designated Carson Spiers for assignment.

Neither Arroyo nor Balcazar have played above Double-A, but both players are likely to begin the year at Triple-A Louisville. One or both could find their way onto the Major League roster at some point next season.

Rodríguez, however, got a taste of Triple-A late last season — playing in 53 games for the Louisville Bats — and will be given a chance to break camp with the Reds next spring. One has to wonder if Rodríguez's presence on the 40-man roster could spell the end of Will Benson's time in Cincinnati.

Will Benson's future is unclear after the Reds added Héctor Rodríguez

Benson is considered a fan-favorite in the city of Cincinnati thanks in large part to his outgoing and exuberant personality. He can also play all three outfield positions, is extremely gifted athletically, and brings some pop to a Reds lineup that's sorely lacking in that department.

Despite all those accolades, Benson was only able to post a .226/.273/.435 slash line in 2025 with an 85 wRC+. While searching for his swing, Benson was yo-yo'd between the major and minor leagues a couple times last season. With the non-tender deadline looming, one has to wonder how much longer Benson will remain on the Reds' 40-man roster.

Rodríguez isn't the physical specimen Benson is, but he's six years younger, pre -arb eligible, and showed plenty of power in the minors last season. He split his time between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville and hit .283/.336/.450 with 19 home runs and 65 RBI. Much like Benson, Rodríguez swings from the left side of the dish.

The Reds' lack of left-handed bats could work in Benson's favor and preserve his roster spot for the time being. Gavin Lux is another left-handed hitter who's on the bubble, and there's a chance he could be non-tendered ahead Friday's deadline.

Congratulations are in order for Rodríguez, Arroyo, and Balcazar, but with the 40-man roster now full, Cincinnati will need to trim some fat if they hope to make some additions later this offseason.