Cleveland Indians: Catching Up with 2016’s Top Draft Picks

Will Benson – 1st round (14th overall)

After using their first round picks on outfielders in three consecutive drafts from 2012 to 2014 – Naquin, Frazier, and Zimmer – the Indians once again jumped at an athlete who has the potential to someday roam the lawn at Progressive Field in the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Benson out of Westminster High School in Atlanta.

Benson has big-time athleticism and the personality to match, possessing raw power in his left-handed swing and a strong arm that could project to right field in the big leagues.

“We see Will as a five-tool right fielder,” said Indians director of amateur scouting Brad Grant after the draft. “He’s a guy that we feel is going to hit for average and hit for power. He’s got power to all fields, and they travel a long way. On top of that, he’s a solid-average runner. He’s got a plus arm and solid defensive skills out in right field.”

Perhaps not surprisingly given that he turned 18 years old just after the draft, Benson has struggled a bit in his first taste of pro ball. Playing for the Tribe’s team in the Arizona Rookie League, he is slashing .211/.322/.422 in 41 games, with 54 strikeouts to 20 walks. He has shown the extra-base pop that Grant spoke of, though, with 10 doubles, three triples, five home runs, and 25 runs drive in.

Next: Another Prep Bat