Will Benson just made it painfully clear Reds must give him a bigger role

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson has been in Terry Francona's doghouse throughout most of the 2025 season. On Tuesday night in San Diego, however, Benson proved his skipper wrong and showed why the Reds need to give him a bigger role moving forward.

Benson demolished the first pitch he saw from San Diego Padres starter Michael King and sent a no-doubter into the bleachers in right field. Later in the game, Benson made a spectacular defensive play as he crashed into the wall in right field to rob former Reds infielder Jose Iglesias of an extra-base hit.

Benson ended the night going 1-for-2 and was replaced by Noelvi Marte in the seventh inning after the Padres brought in left-hand reliever Wandy Peralta. Tuesday's game against the Friars was Benson's first start since August 1.

Will Benson just made it painfully clear that Reds manager Terry Francona must give him a bigger role

Some Reds fans have inferred that there's some sort of longstanding beef between Benson and Francona — the outfielder was traded to the Reds after his rookie season with the Cleveland Guardians while Tito was still the manager. But Francona's inclination to avoid inserting Benson into the starting lineup probably has less to do with a personal vendetta, and is more about the manager's loyalty to veteran players.

Since being recalled in mid-August, Francona's had many opportunities to slot Benson into the starting lineup, but preferred to go with one of Austin Hays or Gavin Lux in left field. The same has held true for Sal Stewart, who's been sharing time with Spencer Steer at first base despite Francona declaring that the rookie would play every day.

The expanded rosters have made it even more difficult for Francona to adequately allocate playing time to everyone on the team. Miguel Andujar, who looked like the Reds' savior after being traded from the Athletics at the July 31 deadline, has scarcely been seen for the past two weeks.

Nevertheless, Benson's mix of speed and power, combined with his defensive acumen, warrant more playing time. Francona has turned to Benson as a defensive replacement late in games, but it's time for the Reds' manager to trust the 27-year-old in the batters' box as well.

The social media mantra of #FreeWillBenson has been gaining steam over the past few weeks, and on Tuesday night, Francona and the Reds coaching staff saw exactly what happens when Benson's in the game. He deserves more playing time down the stretch and should be part of the team's plans in 2026.

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