Eric Halterman advised scooping up Will Benson while everything is clicking. After striking out 40 % of the time last year, Benson has trimmed that to 26 % since returning to the majors and is torching pitchers to the tune of a .353 average, five homers and a 1.303 OPS over 11 games. The former first-rounder already flashed a 14-HR/16-SB season in fewer than 400 PA, so any contact gains unlock 25-plus homer and 20-plus steal pace. Halterman warned that Benson will likely sit versus lefties and could cool off quickly, but says the temporary impact in roto leagues is too big to ignore while Jake Fraley’s calf injury keeps Benson in the lineup.

John Venezia recommended grabbing Will Benson while the outfielder is scorching. Benson is available in 94% of Yahoo leagues but is slashing .308/.400/.654 with three homers and eight RBI through just 26 at-bats (eight games). That line comes with a .357 BABIP and a 194 wRC+, signals that some regression will come, yet Venezia stressed the upside of rostering a power-speed bat in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Fantasy managers can stream Benson in plus matchups now, and if the hot streak extends his ownership will spike, making the current 6% roster rate a bargain.

Brian Howard strongly criticized Cincinnati Reds fans directly for demanding Will Benson’s promotion to MLB from AAA, asserting such reactions ignore the key developmental value Benson gains from daily experiences in the minors. Howard emphasized repeatedly that Benson needs to improve his at-bats continually down in AAA instead of being called up prematurely to play sparingly and inadequately. While he acknowledges fans' recent frustration with the Reds' lack of offense, Howard explained that limited playing opportunities are detrimental to Benson's development and that demanding his presence in the current lineup only highlights ignorance from certain segments of the fanbase about baseball player development.