Will Benson – Cincinnati Reds Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Will Benson has gone from promising prospect to valuable outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds. Since joining the team in 2023, the 26-year-old Georgia native has brought impressive athleticism and power to the lineup.

His journey through Cleveland’s farm system really shaped him into the versatile player Reds fans see today.

For the 2025 season, Benson will earn a base salary of $800,000, showing the team’s confidence in his growing skills. This marks a bump up from his earlier contracts, including the $760,000 deal he signed before with Cincinnati.

His financial growth seems to track right alongside his on-field development.

The American outfielder’s net worth sits around $7 million, earned through his pro baseball career so far.

Born on June 16, 1998, Benson keeps building his reputation as an exciting MLB talent. He’s got a knack for balancing defensive skills with offensive upside, and honestly, he’s just fun to watch every game.

Early Life and Background

Will Benson’s path to Major League Baseball started in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born on June 16, 1998.

His early years really set the stage for his athletic development and future baseball career.

Family Heritage and Influences

Will grew up in Atlanta, surrounded by a supportive family that encouraged his athletic talents from the start.

Although he’s not related to NFL team owner Tom Benson, Will’s family gave him strong guidance and plenty of encouragement as he grew up.

His parents saw his natural athletic ability and fueled his passion for baseball.

As William Buchanan Benson honed his skills on local Atlanta fields, his family made real sacrifices so he could play in competitive youth leagues and travel teams.

The Atlanta baseball community had a big influence on young Benson’s approach to the game.

Local coaches often pointed out his raw talent and relentless work ethic.

Education and Early Interests

Benson attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, where he quickly stood out as a multi-sport athlete.

His standout performance on the baseball field drew attention from college recruiters and pro scouts.

He kept up solid grades, too, knowing education mattered no matter where sports might take him.

His time at Westminster helped him build discipline and time management skills—definitely things that would come in handy later.

Baseball gradually became his main focus during high school.

Benson’s power, speed, and defense made him one of the nation’s top high school prospects.

He capped off his high school career by getting picked in the first round (14th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Indians.

Professional Career

Will Benson’s professional journey stretches from being a first-round draft pick to becoming an established outfielder with the Cincinnati Reds.

Career Beginnings

The Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) selected Benson in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

As the 14th overall pick, the Atlanta native leaped straight from high school into pro baseball with high expectations.

Benson spent a few years moving through Cleveland’s minor league system.

He worked hard to refine his swing and improve his defense across different minor league levels.

In 2022, Benson made his MLB debut with Cleveland after six years in their system.

That moment was the payoff for years of persistence and hard work in the minors.

Key Trades and Team Affiliations

Benson got traded from Cleveland to the Cincinnati Reds—a big change for his career.

This move gave him a fresh start and a chance to grow with a new organization.

Since joining the Cincinnati Reds, Benson has carved out a role as an outfielder.

The new environment has definitely helped his development and given him more playing time.

Contract details show where he stands financially in the league.

He signed a one-year deal worth $760,000 with the Reds, which keeps him in the majors and shows the team’s faith in his potential.

Notable Achievements and Honors

Benson has always shown the athleticism that made him a first-round pick.

He’s got a powerful build and the potential for both power hitting and solid defense—traits that really define his game.

Benson’s net worth of about $3.3 million comes from his baseball earnings.

Born in 1998, he’s still early in his MLB journey and has plenty of room to grow.

At 6’5″, his physical tools still make him a pretty intriguing player for the Reds and for fans looking to see what he does next.

Contracts and Earnings

Will Benson has built up a modest financial portfolio through his time with the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds.

His contract details show a player steadily finding his place and value in the league.

Current Contract Details

Benson’s playing under a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

That deal includes $760,000 guaranteed, which is pretty standard for a major league minimum contract.

This contract reflects his status as a player just starting to establish himself in the big leagues.

As a pre-arbitration player, the team still controls his salary until he qualifies for arbitration.

His average annual salary matches the contract value at $760,000, which is typical for his experience level.

Some sources list his 2025 salary at $720,000, so there are minor discrepancies depending on where you look.

Past Salaries and Bonuses

Cleveland brought Benson up from their Columbus Clippers minor league affiliate.

As a first-round pick (14th overall in 2016), he probably got a decent signing bonus when he went pro.

He earned minor league salaries during his time in the minors, which aren’t exactly huge.

His earnings jumped up once he reached the majors, but exact numbers from his Cleveland days aren’t widely available.

After the trade to Cincinnati, his salary structure followed the major league minimum, with yearly adjustments based on the MLB collective bargaining agreement.

Payroll and Financial Considerations

For the Reds, Benson brings great value to their payroll.

His $760,000 salary takes up only a tiny portion of Cincinnati’s overall payroll, giving the team some financial flexibility.

Pre-arbitration players like Benson are key for teams—they can provide solid production at a controlled cost.

Developing Benson into a productive outfielder while keeping salary manageable is just smart business for the Reds.

His contract doesn’t have performance bonuses or incentives that would affect the team’s competitive balance tax.

That simple contract structure makes it easier for the front office to plan the payroll and build the roster.

Insurance and Tax Implications

Benson’s contract, like all MLB deals, comes with comprehensive health insurance through the MLB Players Association.

That coverage is a big benefit on top of his salary.

Tax-wise, Benson has to file in multiple states since the season takes him all over the country.

Pro athletes deal with the “jock tax,” which means paying income taxes in different places based on where they play.

Benson’s net worth, estimated at $3,315,156, suggests he’s handled his earnings wisely.

Most players at his stage work with financial advisors who specialize in guiding pro athletes on insurance, investments, and taxes.