Andrew Benintendi
Position: Reserve Outfielder
A slow start to the season is now a distant memory for Andrew Benintendi. It’s probably too late for him to make up the votes he needs to pass Judge for a starting spot. However, Benny Baseball should be a clear choice to occupy one of the reserve outfield spots.
A solid .285/.369/.508 line continues to climb as Benintendi distances himself from a rough April. Among AL outfielders, he’s sixth with a .373 wOBA and seventh with 136 wRC+
Benintendi is on pace for his second consecutive 20/20 season with 13 home runs and 15 steals. Betts and Chicago’s Tim Anderson are the only other AL players with at least as man in both categories.
He’s been at least average defensively in left field but Benny has been a borderline liability when asked to play center. Odd, considering it’s his natural position. Benintendi has posted -6 defensive runs saved in only 23 games as a center fielder. It’s a small sample but it’s dragged down his value.
The one flaw in Benintendi’s game is that he’s struggled against lefties, hitting .216 with a .717 OPS against them. That will be less of a concern coming off the bench in the All-Star Game since the coaching staff can strategically use him when a lefty isn’t on the mound or warming up to get in the game.