Francona Optimistic About Benson's Role for Reds in 2026

Manager sees streaky outfielder as key part of Cincinnati's lineup this season

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:31am

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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona expressed optimism about outfielder Will Benson's role with the team in 2026, noting that Benson can be a streaky hitter who can carry the offense when he gets hot. Francona said he plans to utilize Benson more this season after some tough conversations and demotions in the past.

Why it matters

Benson is seen as a key part of the Reds' lineup, with the potential to provide a power bat and defensive versatility in the outfield. After struggling in 2024, Francona believes Benson has learned from those experiences and is poised for a bounce-back season.

The details

Benson won Player of the Week honors in May 2026 after hitting .526 with five home runs and 10 RBIs in a single week. Francona noted that Benson can be streaky, but when he's hot, the team wants to take advantage of his production. The manager said his one-on-one meeting with Benson this spring will be "a more fun meeting than it was last year" after Benson was forced to play more against left-handed pitchers in 2024, leading to a down year.

  • Benson won Player of the Week for the week ending May 18, 2026.
  • Benson hit four homers and tallied seven RBIs in the first leg of the 2026 Ohio Cup, the first time a Red under 27 had done so since Aristides Aquino in August 2019.

The players

Terry Francona

Manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

Will Benson

Outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds who has shown the ability to be a streaky hitter with power potential.

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What they’re saying

“I've never not been impressed with Will's outlook. There were some tough send-downs and tough conversations. He can be streaky. When he's streaking well, we definitely want to use him.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

“It was such a blessing because through it all I was able to maintain a level head. I kept my mind rooted in the process. I learned from what actually allowed me to be in the position to be a such an unlucky person. That meant a lot of what I was doing aligned with consistency and going about things the right way. The ball didn't go in my favor. But the execution was elite.”

— Will Benson

“Just go out there and play. You're going to play left, right, center. Go out there and show up. I want to be consistent and head into the season with a clear identity. Implement my work into actual game action.”

— Will Benson

What’s next

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The takeaway

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