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Red Sox: Comparing Top five prospects to MLB players

By Ryan Spagnoli

Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) runs out of the dugout to start the game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (16) runs out of the dugout to start the game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (40) hits a single in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (40) hits a single in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Andrew Benintendi

MLB Comparison: Jacoby Ellsbury or Christian Yelich

Andrew Benintendi wasn’t named baseball’s number one overall prospect this past winter for nothing. Benintendi is oozing with projectability and has all the intangibles to be a five tool threat to Major League Baseball for several decades.

Benintendi, who made his Major League debut on August 2nd in Seattle, appeared in 34 games a season ago hitting .295 with two homers and fourteen runs batted in.

Benintendi is penned in to be the Red Sox every day left fielder this season while normally hitting in the two hole. Benintendi’s ability to hit for power into the gaps, his speed on the bases, and ability to get on base make me think of Jacoby Ellsbury (when he was on the Red Sox) and Christian Yelich of the Miami Marlins.

Benintendi, like Yelich, could be a guy that hits well over .300 every year with double digit homers, hit a lot of doubles and win a Gold Glove or two. He also has that smooth, quick lefty stroke to the gaps like Ellsbury had during his time with the Red Sox.

Next: MLB warns Price about delivery

The 22 year old outfielder adds to an already stacked outfield with Jackie Bradley Jr and Mookie Betts. After looking more comfortable at the Major League level as the year went on, Benintendi is due for an even better 2017 campaign. He has the chance to be a consistent 200+ hit per year guy for a very long time.

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