Cincinnati Reds lose Will Benson to free agency

Outfielder Will Benson declared for free agency after spending the 2026 season in Triple-A Louisville following his designation for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds. Benson, acquired from Cleveland in April 2023, had a strong debut year with a .275 average and .498 slugging percentage in 108 games, but struggled significantly over the next three seasons, hitting .187 in 2024, .226 in 2025, and .188 in 51 games in 2026 before being demoted. He accumulated 269 games with the Reds from 2024-2026 but posted negative WAR during that span, and his performance did not improve in the minors where he hit .205 in 66 games.

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