According to MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided, the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals are said to “match up well in trade talks” by a pair of rival executives. Could Toronto’s quest for a left-handed bat come out of Kansas City?
Could the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals pull off a trade as the MLB trade deadline approaches?
In Murray’s article, the potential of the Toronto Blue Jays landing some additional pop for their lineup from the left side via the Kansas City Royals is mentioned. Of course, one of the biggest names that could fit that description is also likely to be one of the biggest trade targets for many teams as the August 2 deadline approaches: Andrew Benintendi.
Benintendi will turn 28 on July 6 and is putting together a solid season in Kansas City, slashing .303/.368/.394 with a pair of home runs and 23 RBI. He has played all 61 of his games this season in left field. He is also a free agent after this season.
As we discussed in this article looking at a fit between the Blue Jays and Washington Nationals for Josh Bell, Raimel Tapia has earned the most at-bats for any left-handed batter this season in Toronto (175), but his OPS+ of 77 has left much to be desired. A player like Benintendi could easily not only take those at-bats and likely make them more productive, but also lengthen an already potent Toronto lineup.
Tapia has played 23 games in left this season, less than the 49 registered by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. With an acquisition of Benintendi, Gurriel Jr. would likely shift to designated hitter.
While Murray says in his article that Toronto is “potentially eyeing one of their (Kansas City’s) left-handed bats,” there is no question that Benintendi is the prize candidate among all of the Royals who fit that description. He could potentially be another weapon for Toronto, but likely will come with an expensive price tag as well. Expect a bidding war for Benintendi as the trade deadline nears, and the Blue Jays could be right in the middle of it.