Cincinnati Reds right fielder Will Benson. (Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports)
The Reds have seen many players play above the expectations on them as well as a couple players playing below these expectations. Who’s earned an apology?
It’s exciting times for Reds fans here in 2023. They are one of hottest teams in the game as well as being one of the youngest teams. They are playing with a chip on their shoulder as well as some serious swagger.
The youth movement is here as their lineup and pitching staff is filled with first-, second- and third-year players, including three of the NL’s top rookies.
But some of these players have been disrespected in the past, whether by fans, media or both. Some of those players have outperformed their disrespect, while other players have yet to earn the apology, they might feel they deserve.
Will Benson has earned an apology from Reds fans after early struggles
Will Benson got off to one of the worst starts to a season that anyone could have imagined. He was hitting under .100 for multiple weeks before the team sent him back down to Triple-A to fine tune his swing, approach, and mentality. There were media outlets that had completely given up on Benson as well as fans that didn’t want to see him in a Reds uniform again. After terrorizing Triple-A for a few weeks, peppering 100+ MPH hits across the outfield, Benson was recalled back to Cincinnati.
The return to Cincinnati couldn’t have gone any better for the skilled, young outfielder. Since returning from Louisville, he has raised his batting average from .040 to .257 while compiling multiple multi-hit games. He broke out against the Red Sox with a three-hit game, before bursting onto the scene against the Dodgers. Against the Dodgers, Benson slugged his first career home run, a walk off against the Dodgers closer Evan Phillips.
Benson has provided the Reds with excellent base running, energy, an improved ability to hit and good defense. He deserved the second chance with the Reds and he’s proving them right again and again for sticking with him after his horrendous start. All the fans that gave up on Benson owe him an apology as he looks to belong in the MLB for the foreseeable future.