Kansas City Royals make surprising trade for Andrew Benintendi

The Kansas City Royals had been in the market for a left handed hitting outfielder, but their potential options in free agency were few. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox had been reportedly shopping Andrew Benintendi, a player who would fit the Royals’ needs. This seemed to be a match for a possible trade.

On Wednesday, that deal came to fruition. The Royals, Red Sox, and Mets have reportedly gotten together on a three team deal involving Benintendi heading to Kansas City.

Andrew Benintendi fits what the Kansas City Royals need

At this point, the deal seems to involve a swap of outfielders. The Royals are sending Khalil Lee to the Mets, while Franchy Cordero and Josh Winckowski are heading to Boston. Additional pieces are expected to be included as well.

For Kansas City, this is the perfect buy low opportunity. Benintendi reached his nadir in 2020, posting a horrendous .103/.314/.128 batting line in his 52 plate appearances, striking out 17 times while drawing 11 walks. It was a far cry from his 2018 season when he appeared to be a building block for the Red Sox.

Benintendi also provides several things that the Royals had been looking for. Not only is he that left handed hitting outfielder, but he also helps their focus in adding players that can get on base. Added to free agent signing Carlos Santana, Benintendi will help Kansas City modernize their lineup and improve their offense.

The Royals also get a longer term option. Benintendi is not just a rental as he is under team control for two more years. If he proves to be a fit in Kansas City, and can get himself back to the form he had displayed two years ago, he could be an extension candidate as the Royals look to build a core to contend with.

The Kansas City Royals are reportedly set to acquire Andrew Benintendi as part of a three team trade. His acquisition gives the Royals exactly what they had been looking for.