Reds’ surging outfielders just backed Terry Francona into a corner

Just as it was this past offseason, the Cincinnati Reds’ outfield is the team’s primary concern. However, the issues have shifted from a lack of power to a surplus of talent. Eight different players have manned the outfield grass, and some redundancies have become evident. As the trade deadline approaches, the Reds’ brass and manager Terry Francona will need to decide where to trim the fat from the outfield depth chart.

The most evident duplication of skills is also the position battle that seems most difficult to predict. Jake Fraley and Will Benson both serve as left-handed platoon options in right field. They both mash right-handed pitching and can be a speed threat on the bases.

Unfortunately, both Fraley and Benson are hot-and-cold players, and their struggles against lefties limit their usefulness as everyday starters. There simply isn’t room for such duplication on the Reds roster.

The Reds will need to choose between Jake Fraley and Will Benson as the MLB trade deadline approaches

If push comes to shove, the Reds should cut ties with one of these two (and potentially other bench bats as well) and invest in a right-handed platoon partner for the other player. The pair’s recent hot streak, which included a combined five hits and three RBIs in the series opener against Cleveland, has increased both players’ trade value, but because of Fraley’s age, injury history, and contract status, he should be the player on the chopping block.

Fraley has one year left of arbitration before he becomes a free agent, and he has the sixth-highest salary among position players at $3.125 million. Benson, on the other hand, will enter arbitration after this season. If the Reds are going to lean into a platoon setup, why pay extra for essentially the same player?

Benson, unlike Fraley, has demonstrated growth so far in 2025. Fraley is exactly who we thought he was: a patient hitter who rarely strikes out and will occasionally pull the ball into the stands. Benson, on the other hand, has made adjustments to his stance and approach. He’s cut his strikeout rate by more than 12% and is hitting the ball harder than ever. This willingness to learn could lead to a fulfilment of Benson’s promised potential, while Fraley seems to have hit his ceiling.

Fraley won’t net the Reds an exceptionally high return, but a team like the Houston Astros, who are among the worst in slugging against right-handers, could use a lefty bench bat for the stretch run. Decision day for Benson and Fraley is fast approaching. Is their greatest value on the roster or on the market?

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