Will Benson vs. Jake Fraley: Time for a Change in Cincinnati?

Benson has been red hot with Triple-A Louisville.

Greg Kuffner | Apr 7, 2025

Mar 31, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley (27) catches a fly out hit by Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (not pictured) in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

In this story:

Cincinnati Reds

With Will Benson raking in Triple-A Louisville and Jake Fraley struggling mightily with the Reds, is it time for the front ofice to make a change?

The Reds are 24th in the league in slugging, 28th in on-base percentage, 30th in walk percentage, and 23rd in hits per game at just 6.80. They need a spark.

Benson is slashing .341/.357/.585 with Louisville with a wRC+ of 152. He's got five extra-base hits in just 41 plate appearances.

Fraley has been Cincinnati's starting right fielder to start the season. He is currently slashing .148 /.148/.185. He has yet to draw a walk and has just one extra-base hit.

“I’m just trying to put the bat on the ball,” Fraley told Charlie Goldsmith. “That’s about it.”

His expected stats don't suggest he's been having bad luck, either. His xBA (.205), xSLG (.253), xwOBA (.198) all suggest his quality of contact has simply been poor.

Even if Benson gets promoted, the Reds need more than just one bat to wake up. Getting Austin Hays and Tyler Stephenson healthy will also help.

That said, when one of the hottest hitters in Triple-A is producing like Benson, it’s absolutely worth giving him a shot to help jumpstart the offense.

Until then, the offense might continue to struggle.

You can read Goldsmith's full article on Fraley's offensive struggles here.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

Report: Reds' Top Prospect Chase Burns to Start Season in Dayton

Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Being Disrespected By National Media Ahead of 2025 Regular Season

Watch: Ranking Cincinnati Reds’ Most Important Players Ahead of 2025 MLB Regular Season

Terry Francona Explains Why He Decided to Return to Baseball and Manage the Cincinnati Reds in 2025

Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman Matt McLain Made BIG Change That Could Impact His Future With the Club

Cincinnati Reds Right Hander Brady Singer Has Added a New Pitch to His Arsenal This Offseason

Cincinnati Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Expected to Miss Start of 2025 Regular Season With Oblique Injury

Cincinnati Reds Make Flurry of Roster Moves With Opening Day Looming

Look: Cincinnati Reds May Be Getting New Uniforms for 2025 Regular Season

Great American Ballpark Has Been Disrespected By National Media

Great American Ballpark Ranked Among MLB’s WORST Stadiums Ahead of 2025 MLB Season

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram

Published Apr 7, 2025

GREG KUFFNER

Greg Kuffner a contributor to Reds On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and worked for the Sports Information Department during his time as a student. He follows all things Reds year round, including the minor league system.