Andrew Benintendi
The Boston Red Sox should first look for a platoon piece against RHP in their own farm system. Andrew Benintendi was drafted 7th overall in the 2015 draft out of the University of Arkansas. Coming in at the No. 3 spot on MLB.com’s prospect list for Boston, Benintendi has thrived at every level of the minor leagues on the Boston farm. The 21-year old OF has made his way from low-A ball to Double-A Portland in just two seasons.
Benintendi has been seen as more of a long-term prospect rather than a short-term fix at the major league level. I think a brief call-up may give manager John Farrell a short assessment of the prospect’s ability at the major league level. The Red Sox front office and fans alike may be worried about calling up a young player who isn’t ready. However, a pairing with Young’s success against LHP may bode well for the Red Sox, as Benintendi has hit RHP at a .299 AVG with 7 triples this season.
Defensively, he has exclusively played CF this season in the minors, which I hope may change in the near future. Benintendi is the most promising outfielder on the farm and should be considered as a plug in piece as we await the return of Holt and Swihart.
Next: Henry Ramos