Reds Shake Up Roster, DFA Jake Fraley and Call Up Will Benson
Big news out of Cincinnati this past weekend: the Reds have made a roster shakeup that fans have been speculating about for a while. Veteran outfielder Jake Fraley was designated for assignment, and in his place, the team recalled Will Benson from Triple-A. Along with Benson, right-handed pitcher Connor Phillips was also added to the MLB roster after lefty Joe La Sorsa was optioned back to Triple-A. This move was largely prompted by the Reds’ need to manage a short-handed bench, especially with catcher Tyler Stephenson dealing with a sore thumb.
Fraley’s departure wasn’t entirely unexpected. Since being acquired from Seattle in 2022 as part of the Eugenio Suarez/Jesse Winker trade, Fraley has had a mixed run with Cincinnati. He’s been a solid, if unremarkable, contributor at the plate, hitting .260 over 362 career games with the Reds and showing speed on the bases with multiple 20-steal seasons. His defense, though, has been more limited, mostly keeping him in the corner outfield spots. A major weakness has been his performance against left-handed pitching, where he’s been almost unplayable.
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This season, Fraley struggled to maintain consistency, hitting just .232 with six home runs in 67 games. Injuries have also taken a toll, including a recent hyperextended knee suffered during a play against Milwaukee, although it was later cleared by the team’s medical staff. Manager Terry Francona emphasized that the decision wasn’t taken lightly, noting that DFA moves are always difficult because they affect players’ lives. Francona explained that through private discussions, it was determined that Fraley might have a better opportunity to play regularly elsewhere, which could be the best path for him.
Will Benson, who replaces Fraley on the active roster, has shown flashes in limited big-league action this year but is still developing as a left-handed outfield option. The Reds are likely hoping that giving Benson more opportunities down the stretch could help him establish himself for next season, possibly taking over the platoon role Fraley has filled. Meanwhile, Connor Phillips, who has converted to a relief role after a rough season in Triple-A as a starter, is expected to provide fresh arms out of the bullpen during the Reds’ upcoming road trip.
The move signals a subtle shift in the Reds’ roster strategy, blending roster management, player development, and a bit of financial consideration, as Fraley was arbitration-eligible and set for a raise next season. Fans have reacted with mixed emotions, recognizing Fraley’s contributions but understanding the team’s need to move forward. The changes were made just in time to help the Reds navigate a challenging series against the Milwaukee Brewers and prepare for their next stop on the road.
This roster shakeup shows the Reds’ willingness to make tough decisions while trying to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development. It’s a reminder that in baseball, the business side of the game often intersects with the human side, and sometimes the moves are about opportunity as much as performance.
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