Another former Red Sox player may call the Bronx home
We’re coming down to the wire as the MLB Trade Deadline is quickly approaching. As it stands right now, things have been incredibly quiet on the Red Sox front which would mean a few things. Either we’re going to ride things out with the current squad we have, or Chaim Bloom is going to go nuts and wheel and deal as the clock runs out. A former member of the club is garnering plenty of attention and now the team’s biggest rival may have their sights set on him.
The Yankees have emerged as “serious contenders” for Royals LF Andrew Benintendi, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 23, 2022
Andrew Benintendi has been mentioned a few times in trade talks as the Deadline nears with teams looking to cash in on the rebound he’s seeing in Kansas City. A week or so ago there were some whispers that both the Red Sox and Yankees were eyeing the All-Star but today things took a more serious turn. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports that New York is the leading favorite to land Benny.
Considering he’ll be a rental as he has free agency looming next winter, I doubt Brian Cashman will give up much for him. I also can’t imagine a world where Kansas City will demand a high cost for a player they’re most likely to lose in a few months anyway. Gaining Benintendi’s services would be a plus for the Yanks with his slick defense but he doesn’t quite fit in with their lineup of mashers.
The outfielder isn’t much of a slugger but his ability to get on base, his .389 OBP would be third highest on the Yankees, would make things even better for one of the strongest offenses in the game. Still, New York would be picking up a quality player and one that, and as much as I hate to say this, could help them win when the lights are shining the brightest.
We all know Benintendi’s story and unfortunately, his time with the Red Sox didn’t end well. A strong 2018 season that saw him make the play of the year while also helping the team raise their ninth championship would be the last bright spot for him. He changed his mindset from speed and quickness to power and it just didn’t translate well. He gained a bunch of mass which limited his ability in the field and on the basepaths.
Then an injury during the COVID-shortened 2020 season would spell the end of not just his campaign but time in Boston. Since being traded to KC, he’s slimmed back down and it’s allowed him to get back to performing at the level that he’s capable of. It’s no surprise that he’s getting attention from teams that are looking to add those few extra pieces to get them over the hump.
One issue that could come into play is his vaccination status as he won’t be permitted to enter Canada. Luckily for the Yankees, they only head north one more time this year barring a possible playoff matchup. New York surely doesn’t need any more help as they’ve more than run away with things in 2022 but adding a guy who loves getting on base and planting him in front of guys like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, yikes.
He’s currently hitting .319 with a .790 OPS, adding in 14 doubles and 3 homers with 39 RBI. Another positive for him is his 38/51 BB/K mix. Of course having that many whiffs is never a good time but having his free pass rate nearly level at least limits the damage to the lineup. Again, he’d be brought to New York to get on base so the sluggers can bring him home. Benny is more than familiar with Yankee Stadium and his perfect FLD% in 2022 wouldn’t be threatened.
At just 28 years old, Benny has more than enough in the tank to help any team that calls him to wear their uniform. Seeing him recently reunite with his 2018 Red Sox teammates at the All-Star Game brought back nothing but positive memories. I wish his time with the organization could’ve ended on a better note but I’m enjoying his resurgence with the Royals. Hopefully, that doesn’t have to change because he puts on the pinstripes.