Kansas City Royals rumors: 3 trade destinations for Andrew Benintendi

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Although the trade market for Andrew Benintendi has decreased, the Kansas City Royals are still set to get a haul for their left fielder.

The Yankees and Blue Jays had both been rumored to be in hot pursuit of the outfielder. However, he remains unvaccinated, and therefore cannot travel to Canada. That essentially eliminates the Blue Jays, and the Yankees have reportedly backed off from their interest. The entire AL East is likely out of the picture when it comes to his trade market, unless he is willing to get vaccinated to facilitate a trade, as Whit Merrifield said he would do.

Three potential trade destinations for Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi

While the AL East is likely out of the picture, Benintendi will still have plenty of suitors. In fact, he is considered the second best trade candidate over at MLBTradeRumors.com, a player that should bring back a substantial haul from wherever he ends up. The question is when, not if, he is traded.

The Kansas City Royals could end up getting a significant return for Andrew Benintendi. Let’s look at three potential landing spots.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have plenty of offense. The problem is that they do not have anyone that can catch the ball in the outfield.

That problem had been exacerbated when Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos were forced to play defense due to Bryce Harper’s elbow injury. Schwarber and Castellanos have cost the Phillies five and 14 runs defensively respectively, a ridiculous amount for any outfield duo. Harper’s current stint on the Injured List opens the designated hitter spot for one of that pair, but the Phillies outfield is not exactly stellar defensively anyway.

Enter Benintendi. He was the American League Gold Glove winner in left last season, leading AL left fielders with 11 runs saved and was second with six outfield assists. His presence would certainly make a major difference for a team in desperate need of a viable defensive option in the outfield.

He would also provide another solid bat for the lineup. While Benintendi is not going to put up much in the way of power numbers, his ability to make contact and get on base would be perfect near the top of their lineup. He would be another tablesetter for their powerful bats, helping the Phillies if they are unable to solve their bullpen woes.

The Philadelphia Phillies need an outfielder that can catch the ball. Andrew Benintendi would be a perfect fit.

Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have never been shy about making trades in the Jerry Dipoto Era. Now that they are on the cusp of ending their playoff drought, they are likely to make even more moves.

Outfield could be one area they look at. While Kyle Lewis is in the midst of his rehab, the Mariners may not want to pin their hopes on the young outfielder. Meanwhile, Jesse Winker has posted a 104 OPS+ in his 344 plate appearances entering Friday, a barely above average mark. As he has also cost the Mariners nine runs defensively, an upgrade would seem to be needed.

Acquiring Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals would provide exactly that. Not only would he be that defensive upgrade they need, but he would provide another solid bat into a potentially dangerous Mariners’ lineup, and one that could slot in at the top of the lineup.

Such a move would not necessarily push Winker to the bench. Abraham Toro had been a revelation last year but has been dreadful this season. Seattle’s primary designated hitter has posted a 61 OPS+ in his 257 plate appearances, hardly what anyone would have wanted. Putting Winker into that role, and using Toro as more of a utility option, could be the best case scenario for the Mariners’ playoff push.

The Mariners are always looking to get more athletic and upgrade their roster. Adding Andrew Benintendi would help on both fronts.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins

The Marlins have managed to hover around the periphery of the Wild Card chase. Their current series with the Phillies, and matchups against the Rangers, Pirates, and Reds following the All Star Break, could determine their path.

Should the Marlins look to supplement their lineup, outfield is an obvious need. Jorge Soler is best suited to be a designated hitter. Avisail Garcia has been a disaster after being one of their premier free agent signings. Any attempts to upgrade the lineup will likely begin in the outfield.

Acquiring Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals would not change the Marlins’ future plans. He is a free agent after this season and would allow Miami to pursue more permanent upgrades going forward while improving their odds this year.

The Marlins also have the types of prospects that the Royals could use. They are looking to return to the postseason in the near future in their own right, and could be looking for players that are close to being major league ready. The Marlins have plenty of prospects that would fit that definition, especially when it comes to pitching.

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The Miami Marlins would make perfect sense for Andrew Benintendi. They just need to get past the next week or two first.

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