Andrew Benintendi hasn't had the best go of things since he was traded from the Boston Red Sox organization in 2021, mostly since he ended up with the Chicago White Sox two seasons ago.
Benintendi spent five seasons with the Red Sox from 2016-20, and his tenure included a memorable run to the 2018 World Series that included multiple highlight-reel defensive plays. He was traded to the Royals before the 2021 season and posted a successful year and a half there before he was dished to the Yankees at the 2022 trade deadline.
After the Yankees lost in the 2022 ALCS, Benintendi signed a five-year deal with the White Sox, and baseball fans everywhere know how well that's gone. The White Sox have made the playoffs only twice since 2008, and the team clocked the worst record of all time last season, going 41-121. Benintendi is one of their biggest names and he slashed .229/.289/.396 over 135 games in 2024.
He and Chicago have been dealt even more rotten luck before the 2025 season. Benintendi was hit by a pitch during the White Sox's Feb. 27 spring training game against the Guardians, and it fractured his hand. He'll miss four to six weeks, but the injury does not require surgery.
Former Red Sox Andrew Benintendi out four to six weeks with hand fracture
Getz on Andrew Benintendi pic.twitter.com/bJNX4uxli2
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 28, 2025
If the outfielder needs six weeks to rehab, he'll miss Opening Day, which is unfortunate for the White Sox. Despite his drop in offensive production since leaving the Royals, Benintendi is still one of the best bats in Chicago's lineup.
The White Sox are still a few years out from their competitive window after their historic 2024 slate, so Benintendi's absence probably won't mean much for the team early on. If he returns early enough in the season and posts a better year than last season, he could play himself into trade candidacy, as there are still three years and over $49 million on his contract and Chicago is in the throes of a deep rebuild.
Benintendi was the Red Sox's last No. 1 prospect before Roman Anthony, and despite his tenures for multiple American League rivals, most Boston fans still wish him well. Hopefully, Benintendi heals quickly enough to bounce back from last year's tough season at the plate and earn a trade from Chicago at the deadline.