William Buchanan Benson Bio
William Buchanan Benson (born June 16, 1998) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Cleveland Guardians. Benson was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2022. Known for his power hitting and speed on the base paths, Benson has quickly established himself as a promising player in the league.
Early Life and Background
William Buchanan Benson was born on June 16, 1998, in the United States. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, with his father, Ted, playing college basketball for the Purdue Boilermakers. Benson’s early exposure to sports and competition helped shape his athletic career. He attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, where he excelled in baseball, showcasing his talent and potential from a young age.
Path to Baseball
Benson was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, selected 14th overall. Initially committed to play college baseball for the Duke Blue Devils, he opted to sign with the Indians for a $2.5 million signing bonus instead. His decision to pursue a professional career marked the beginning of his journey in Major League Baseball. Benson also represented the United States in the 2015 U-18 Baseball World Cup, contributing to the team’s success and gaining valuable experience on an international stage.
William Buchanan Benson Career
Early Career (2016-2021)
Benson made his professional debut in 2016 with the Rookie-level Arizona League Indians, where he posted a .209 batting average with six home runs and 27 runs batted in during 44 games. In 2017, he played for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the Low-A New York–Penn League, batting .238 with ten home runs and 36 runs batted in over 56 games. The following year, he played with the Lake County Captains of the Single-A South Atlantic League, hitting .180 with 22 home runs and 58 runs batted in during 123 games. Despite facing challenges, including a period of poor performance that made him consider quitting baseball, Benson continued to persevere.
Breakthrough (2022-Present)
Benson’s breakthrough came in 2022 when he batted .279 in 89 games in Triple-A. The Cleveland Guardians selected his contract on August 1, 2022, and he made his MLB debut on August 10, 2022, collecting his first career hit, an RBI single against the Detroit Tigers. In 2023, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he began the season but faced challenges that led to a brief demotion to the Louisville Bats. However, he rebounded and hit his first major league home run on June 7, 2023, a walk-off against the Los Angeles Dodgers. By the end of the 2023 season, Benson played in 108 games for the Reds, batting .275 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Benson’s signature moment came when he was named the National League Player of the Week in 2025 after an impressive performance, where he went 10-for-19 with five home runs and 10 RBIs. His ability to hit for power and contribute to his team’s success has made him a player to watch in the coming years.
William Buchanan Benson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, William Buchanan Benson has received recognition for his performance on the field, including being nominated for various player of the week awards, showcasing his impact in Major League Baseball.
William Buchanan Benson Awards Won
While specific awards won during his career are not detailed, Benson’s achievements, including his performance milestones and recognition as a player of the week, highlight his growing presence in the sport.
William Buchanan Benson Family
William Buchanan Benson is married to Lindsey, and together they have a son. His family background includes a tragic loss, as his older brother, Theodore Charles, died at a young age after being hit by a school bus. Benson also has a mother and sister, who have supported him throughout his career.
Personal Life
Benson enjoys playing chess and has maintained friendships with former teammates, including MLB player Xzavion Curry. Before signing with the Cleveland Indians, he had plans to walk on to the Duke Blue Devils basketball team, showcasing his diverse athletic talents. Benson’s journey in baseball reflects his dedication and passion for the sport, and he continues to strive for success in Major League Baseball.
