Kansas City Royals rumors: 3 trade destinations for Andrew Benintendi
By David Hill
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.