New York Yankees acquire Andrew Benintendi for trio of minor league arms

So much for any concerns about Andrew Benintendi’s vaccination status. The New York Yankees‘ quest for offense has led to their willingness to overlook his lack of availability for their last three games in Toronto.

According to Jack Curry of YES Network, the Yankees are adding the Royals’ outfielder. Jeff Passan from ESPN notes that three minor leaguers are heading back in return. Joel Sherman from the New York Post notes that Beck Way, Chandler Champlain, and T.J. Sikkema are heading back to Kansas City.

New York Yankees make immediate move after lackluster showing against Mets

This move comes in the wake of the Yankees being swept by the Mets in the first part of the Subway Series. They scored a total of five runs in those two games, their offense being shut down for the most part. The Yankees are also in the midst of a rough stretch, having won just five of their past 15 games.

Benintendi could be exactly what the Yankees need. Aaron Judge told Bob Nightengale that landing the outfielder will help pump up the clubhouse. Considering their lackluster performance lately, they certainly need that boost. The timing is even better as the Yankees are facing the Royals for a four game set beginning on Thursday, so he will already be in town.

The Yankees also did not give up much in order to land their new left fielder. MLB.com rates Sikkema as the Yankees’ 19th best prospect; with Way ranked 21st and Champlain unranked. Sikkema has been compared to a left handed version of Orlando Hernandez due to his ability to change arm angles, while his fastball and slider could both develop into plus offerings. He has, however, battled injury and conditioning issues that have lowered his stock.

Way has a pair of fastballs that sit in the mid 90s and have been clocked as high as 99 MPH. He also has a slider that has plus potential, as well as a respectable changeup, but his command issues have him likely ticketed for a bullpen role as he progresses towards the majors.

Champlain was the Yankees’ ninth round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft. He has a mid 90s fastball and a plus curve, but has also added a slider and a cutter this season. Champlain also worked on his command, something that has been clear as he has posted a 4.95 K/BB rate in A-ball thus far. He could well be a hidden gem in this deal.

Yet none of these players really made that much of a difference for the Yankees. Sikkema needs to be protected from the Rule V Draft this offseason, a roster spot that New York likely would not have. All three arms have potential, but they are not pieces that the Yankees will miss as they add one of the best outfielders available on the trade block.

The New York Yankees have struck first, acquiring Andrew Benintendi for three minor league pitchers. This could be the lift the offense needs going forward.