Benson’s winter work paying off with snazzy plays in ’24.
CINCINNATI — As much as Reds outfielder Will Benson worked on his hitting in the offseason, he put as much effort into getting better defensively. It’s already showing up in the first eight games this season.
Gone are the first steps in the wrong direction. Gone are the indirect routes often seen in 2023. Whether he’s playing right field or center field, Benson’s defensive play looks both smoother and cleaner.
“Those two words are really important,” outfield and first-base coach Collin Cowgill said on Friday. “The big focus for him was being under control. He’s such a great athlete that he thinks about being fast and thinks about being quick, and it slows him down.
“When he’s naturally smooth and naturally free, he’s just much better. Physically, we tweaked his pre-pitch stuff to get more movement involved, so he’s off towards the ball faster.”
Playing right field on Monday at Philadelphia, Benson’s work showed up on several plays — many of which appeared routine. On Whit Merrifield’s second-inning fly ball, Benson made a quick first step toward center field and was under the ball in plenty of time. Likewise in the fifth inning, on a Trea Turner fly ball to right-center field.
