Sending Will Benson back to the minors only makes sense if the Reds do this one thing

Last week, the Cincinnati Reds recalled Will Benson to the major league roster — an apparent attempt to breathe fresh life into the club’s outfield and overall offensive production. Benson’s return was met with high expectations, yet his debut was short-lived. In his lone appearance for the Reds, he recorded four strikeouts over four at-bats before promptly being sent back down to the minors.

The roster shuffle didn’t stop with Benson. Alongside him, the organization brought back another familiar name: Noelvi Marte. Although Marte had been recalled earlier on April 8, his anticipated debut in the starting lineup was delayed until April 12. What makes his situation particularly intriguing is his rocky start during spring training. After finishing the previous season barely above the Mendoza line with a .210 average, many expected Marte to bounce-back at the plate.

Despite the setbacks in spring, Marte showcased a performance that was hard to ignore in Triple-A with the Louisville Bats. In just nine games, he logged 12 hits, six runs scored, five RBI, and three stolen bases. He boasted a batting average of .353/.452/.529 slash line screaming promise.

Are the Reds mishandling Noelvi Marte?

One might have expected that after such a hot stretch at Triple-A, the Reds would have sought to keep Marte in the lineup to capitalize on his momentum. Instead, he found himself warming the bench.

This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and insiders alike. Arguing that by keeping him on the sidelines, the club could inadvertently stifle his growth, especially if other players — like Benson who was also sent back down to get more plate time — are still battling for consistent playing opportunities.

Once viewed as the future premier third baseman for the Reds, Marte faces an uphill battle. He's earned his shot at redemption and deserves a real chance with steady play. In a scenario where every at-bat is precious, he'll need to seize every opportunity to justify the expectations that come with his name. 

With a blend of raw potential and developmental hurdles, the Reds find themselves in a fascinating balancing act. The strategic decisions in the coming weeks — particularly how they integrate players like Marte into regular play — could prove pivotal for the team's long-term success. As management continues to experiment with the lineup, fans will be watching closely, hoping that these moves will translate into improved offensive production and a spark that propels the team through the season.

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