“career” tag's highlights of related matches, posts & more...
Should Will Benson get a shot at HITTING LEADOFF for the Cincinnati Reds | Analysis, Breakdown
Craig Sandlin and Greg Kuffner discuss if Will Benson could be an option to hit leadoff for the Cincinnati Reds given his patience at the plate and high on base percentage this year. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.or ----------------------------------- As the Cincinnati Reds look to optimize their lineup for the 2026 season, Will Benson presents a high-risk, high-reward option as the lead-off hitter, blending elite speed with a penchant for high-variance offensive production. His viability stems from a 2023–2024 profile that suggested top-tier talent, tempered by significant 2024 regressions and a 2025 season filled with demotions, high hard-hit rates, and, ultimately, poor luck. Previous Leadoff Experience and Performance Benson has served as a leadoff option in various capacities since joining the Reds, though he has not solidified himself as the exclusive table-setter. In 2024, he hit the first leadoff home run of his Major League career on May 16th against Tyler Glasnow, a 439-foot blast. His 2023 form was particularly promising, where he hit \(.275\) with a \(.365\) on-base percentage (OBP) across 108 games, showing the patience and discipline often required of a leadoff hitter. Reds Metrics and Career Path Benson’s tenure in Cincinnati has been streaky. After a breakout 2023, he fell to a \(.187\) batting average in 343 at-bats in 2024, while his strikeout rate remained high. However, his underlying, or expected, stats often paint a brighter picture. In early 2025, despite a low batting average, he was among the league leaders in barrel rate, average exit velocity, and hard-hit percentage (top 15%), suggesting a significant positive regression was on the horizon. As of May 9, 2026, he has struggled early, with a \(.207\) average in 31 games, but maintaining high power and on-base potential, including 13 walks. Viability for 2026 Benson's main strength as a leadoff hitter is his ability to get on base (.352 OBP in 2026) and his 94th-percentile speed, which provides run-scoring potential. His 2025 season showed a refined approach, reducing his strikeout rate to 26.5% and swinging more in the zone. However, his inconsistency and inability to consistently produce against left-handed pitchers make him a specialized option, often best used when he is in a hot streak. His 2026 outlook under Manager Terry Francona is that of a "streaky" player who can carry the offense when hot, but who must be managed carefully regarding his playing time against tough left-handed matchups. If he can match his 2025 Statcast metrics—where he ranked in the top 15% in expected slugging (\(xSLG\)) and hard-hit rate—with better fortune on balls in play (\(BABIP\)), he could finally provide the consistent speed-and-power lead-off combo the Reds have needed since his breakout 2023.
Have the Cincinnati Reds found their NEW CLOSER in Pierce Johnson | MLB Analysis, Breakdown, Podcast
Craig Sandlin and Greg Kufner (RedsDaily4) discuss the decision to use Pierce Johnson as the closer for the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Following his acquisition by the Cincinnati Reds, veteran right-hander Pierce Johnson enters the 2026 season as a highly viable candidate for the closer role, bringing a high-octane, curveball-heavy approach to the ninth inning. While often utilized as a setup man throughout his career, Johnson's previous experience and recent metrics suggest he has the high-leverage pedigree required to anchor the Reds' bullpen. Previous Experience and Save Success Johnson has extensive late-inning experience, culminating in a breakout 2023 season split between Colorado and Atlanta, where he set a career-high with 13 saves. During his stint with the Braves that same year, he posted an impressive 0.76 ERA across 24 appearances, proving he can dominate in high-stakes environments. While primarily a setup option in 2024 and 2025, Johnson continued to garner save opportunities. His reliability is underscored by his ability to maintain high strikeout numbers, with a career-high 90 strikeouts in 2023, showcasing his ability to generate swings-and-misses in crucial moments. Metrics and Performance as a Red Early in the 2026 season, Johnson has demonstrated solid performance, solidifying his role in the Reds' late-inning mix, often working alongside Emilio Pagán. He has shown an ability to limit damage and maintain a strong presence in high-leverage spots. His 2026 metrics highlight continued elite strikeout capability. In early May 2026, he was noted for having a 0.00 ERA over his previous 7 days, and even picking up saves. His 2025 season with Atlanta saw a 3.05 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over 65 appearances, demonstrating consistency. Why He is Viable as Closer Johnson's viability is anchored in his unique arsenal, specifically his curveball, which he throws at a very high rate—sometimes over 70% of his pitches, among the highest in MLB. This breaking ball, paired with a four-seam fastball that averages around 94–96 MPH, allows him to create significant movement and miss bats frequently. In 2023, his strikeout percentage ranked in the 96th percentile league-wide. While he can be prone to the long ball at times, his ability to generate swing-and-miss (91st percentile whiff rate in 2023) makes him an ideal candidate to close out tight games for Cincinnati. His veteran presence, especially having been a key piece in the Braves' bullpen, provides the composure needed for the ninth inning. Johnson brings a proven track record of handling pressure, a high strikeout rate, and a reliable arsenal, making him arguably the best candidate to secure saves for the 2026 Reds.
FERNANDO TATIS JR. ALLOWS LITTLE LEAGUE GRAND SLAM!
Fernando Tatis Jr., in the midst of the longest homerless drought of his career, had a defensive gaffe for the ages against the St. Louis Cardinals. ⭐ The Wrap-Up Show is presented by your local Farmer's Insurance Agent Marc Nimetz. If you’re shopping for auto, home, renters or life insurance here in San Diego, please support the Wrap-Up Show by choosing San Diegan (and huge Padres fan) Marc Nimetz: https://agents.farmers.com/ca/poway/marc-nimetz 🎟️ Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/PADSWRAP10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount 💰 Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/PADRESWRAPUP 🌟 Join the Wrap-Up Show membership program to get access to perks like custom emojis and more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxI-krWIfbPH9_laPt5FKWA/join 🎧 Listen to the Wrap-Up Show podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/the-wrap-up-show ✉️ Want to partner with us on our channel? Email padreswrapupshow@gmail.com Please note that some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. The page is sponsored by Marc Nimetz at Farmers Insurance, PrizePicks and SeatGeek.
Seattle Mariners Broadcaster Rick Rizzs Joins MLB Network
Longtime radio broadcaster, Rick Rizzs, joined MLB Network to chat about the Mariners 2026 season and reflected on his career ...
Sergey Kalinin Goal #3 vs Detroit Red Wings | Dec 11, 2015 | Сергей Калинин — 3-й гол в НХЛ
Sergey Kalinin scores his 3rd career NHL goal | 3rd of the season. Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils — 2:3 OT | New ...
Keith Matkins Was A North Carolina High School Football Star
A look back at Keith Matkins' dominant high school football career in Charlotte. As a junior in 1996, Matkins set Mecklenburg ...
LJ Cryer's First Career Double-Double
Replaying moments from LJ Cryer's First Career Double-Double for the Santa Cruz Warriors against the Salt Lake City Stars.
Can Chris Denorfia name his MLB debut lineup? (2005 Reds) 👀⚾️ #shorts
MLB legend Chris Denorfia🔥Denorfia was an outfielder with the Reds, Athletics, Padres, Mariners, and Cubs from 2005-2015 and I have vivid memories of watching him growing up🦾 This was his first career start, as he debuted a few days earlier, and there were some iconic names on this 2005 Reds team⚡️It’s always so cool to see former big leaguers come back as coaches💯 Chris is currently the Major League Field Coordinator for the White Sox and it was dope to meet him⚾️ #reds #cincinnatireds #baseballhistory #mlb #baseball