• Full name William Buchanan Benson
  • Born 06/16/1998 in Atlanta, GA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Westminster
  • Debut 08/01/2022
  • Drafted in the 1st round (14th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2016 (signed for $2,500,000).
    View Draft Report
    Benson has arguably the best bat speed in the class, prep or high school. He's a lefthanded hitter with a deep load and a barred lead arm in his swing. Benson showed plus-plus raw power throughout the summer, though his ability to get to his power is still a question due to concerns that some scouts have about his hitting ability. Benson does not consistently use his lower half, forcing him to commit to swinging at pitches early. His bat path can be a bit steep, leading to a tendency to roll over pitches and hit them on the ground with topspin. His measurables are solid, with a strong arm for right field and plus speed in the 60-yard dash, though his aggressive swing can cause him to get out of the box slowly, leading to below-average run times to first base. Benson's 6-foot-5 frame and Atlanta-area roots lead to comparisons to Jason Heyward, but the questions on hitting ability make him a boom-or-bust type of prospect. Benson values his academics and is committed to play at Duke.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Draft Prospects

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Athlete in the Cleveland Guardians in 2020
  • Rated Best Athlete in the Cleveland Guardians in 2019
  • Rated Best Athlete in the Cleveland Guardians in 2018

Scouting Reports

Career Transactions

  • Cincinnati Reds activated RF Will Benson from the paternity list.
  • Cincinnati Reds placed RF Will Benson on the paternity list.
  • Cincinnati Reds recalled RF Will Benson from Louisville Bats.
  • Cincinnati Reds recalled RF Will Benson from Louisville Bats.
  • Cincinnati Reds optioned RF Will Benson to Louisville Bats.
  • Cincinnati Reds optioned RF Will Benson to Louisville Bats.
  • Cincinnati Reds recalled RF Will Benson from Louisville Bats.
  • Cincinnati Reds recalled RF Will Benson from Louisville Bats.
  • Cincinnati Reds optioned RF Will Benson to Louisville Bats.
  • Cleveland Guardians traded RF Will Benson and to Cincinnati Reds for OF Justin Boyd and cash.

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