3. Andrew Benintendi: Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have had quite a few solid young players come up through the ranks over the past few years. Andrew Benintendi the latest, and could end up being the Red Sox brightest star.
A part of Boston’s new Killer B’s, Benintendi had a brief stint in the majors in 2016. He made his debut in August, but missed three weeks with a sprained knee. Even with that interruption in his playing time, Benintendi produced an impressive .295/.359/.476 batting line, hitting two homers and 11 doubles in his 118 plate appearances. It was a solid debut, giving the Red Sox hope that he could be a key piece of the lineup in 2017.
Considered to be the top prospect in baseball heading into the season, Benintendi did not disappoint. He had a solid .271/.352/.424 batting line, hitting 20 homers and 26 doubles. He even added another element to his game, stealing 20 bases last season. He was also excellent defensively, leading American League left fielders with 11 assists.
The Red Sox have had quite a history of excellent left fielders. Players like Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and Jim Rice manned left for Boston over the years. While it is far too early to say that Benintendi will follow their path to the Hall of Fame, his first full season in the majors gives hope that he can continue that tradition of excellence.
Andrew Benintendi is yet another bright young star for the Boston Red Sox. Given time, he could end up being the best of the Killer B’s.