Boston Red Sox 2018: Andrew Benintendi bulked up for massive year
Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi is physically bigger and hopes that translates into a big 2018 season.
Last season, Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi overcame a mid-season slump and became a major force offensively down the stretch. This season, he hopes to be a bigger and more consistent force in the Red Sox lineup and has put on some muscle to help the process.
In a rookie season in which he hit 20 homers with 90 RBI while batting .271, the 23-year-old outfielder knows bulking up is not the only way to increase his production. In fact, he says the extra muscle he put on will help him get through the season healthy. It will also help his stamina going through a grueling 162-game schedule.
"“I think just over a course of a year, for me personally, I tend to lose a little weight,” Benintendi told reporters in Fort Myers, via MLB.com. “I think staying a little stronger this year and just trying to get through the season healthy, that extra weight will help.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
Following his rookie season, Benintendi now knows what to expect and he also knows there is a little more pressure on himself as the team made no additions over the offseason.
Big expectations
With the lack of power in the middle of the lineup, a player like Andrew Benintendi could emerge as a big-time hitter with power. The added muscle will certainly help with that. More importantly, consistency will be a key for the promising outfielder.
"“Everyone is trying to have a better year than they did last year,” Benintendi said. “We didn’t win the last game of the year, so we’ll go from there. I have the most expectations for myself. Nothing can top that.”"
With the amount of power the New York Yankees added with the acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton, the Boston Red Sox offense has to find the bats to compete. They certainly have the pitching, so if the youngers like Benintendi, Mookie Betts, Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts can improve at the plate, the Sox will be a contender.
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If they get anything from Hanley Ramirez along with production from the youngers. Watch out MLB.