Coming off a strong 2018 campaign, Andrew Benintendi looks to breakout for the Boston Red Sox in 2019.
Ever since Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintedi first stepped onto a big league field in 2016, he has been a phenom; especially in Boston. From his clean swing, bromance with Brock Holt, and spectacular plays in the outfield, whats not to love about the 24-year-old.
Entering his third full season in the big leagues, Andrew Benintendi is set to have an even better year than he did last season. With a switch to the leadoff spot coming in 2019, Benny could have an even more productive year than years past.
Batting first in what could easily be the best offense in baseball is always a daunting task, but if Benintendi is able to prove he is suitable for it, his offensive stats could be through the roof. Just being a left-handed bat at Fenway Park in it of itself gives Benny the potential to thrive offensively. It is only a matter of time before opposing pitchers fear him when he steps into the box, if it hasn’t gotten to that point already.
With the Red Sox flirting with the idea of extending one of their core players, Benintendi could have even more motivation in a title defense year. Regardless, he should be in for an even better 2019 campaign, let’s take a look a few goals for him this season.
1.Hit 20 Home Runs and bat above .300
This past year was Benintendi’s best season of his young career. Being at the beginning of his prime, there is excitement for what’s next to come. We should now start to see what his floor will be for years to come.
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Andrew Benintendi has hit for 38 home runs over 333 games in 3 years. In his first full big league season in 2017, Benintendi hit 20 home runs. Last year, those numbers dropped down a little bit to 16, when he was fixated at the number 2 spot in the lineup. Being leadoff, all he has to focus on is getting on base, but Benny definitely has the ability to hit it out of the yard.
Pitchers are most likely to have their nerves racing when facing the first batter with the Fenway faithful screaming and yelling at them in the bottom of the first inning , immediately after Chris Sale strikes out the side. Benintendi is where the Red Sox offense starts, and nothing is better than a leadoff home run.
Benintendi had a career high 168 hits in 2018, good for 12th in the American League and 24th in all of baseball. He also carried a batting average of .290, ranking 15th in the AL and good for 30th in the MLB. Benny is going to get more plate appearances in moving up in the order. Bringing his average up to .300 is feasible.
The Boston Red Sox lineup could be even more deadly than it was in 2018. With Andrew Benintendi batting and having a loaded lineup behind him, opposing teams are going to pitch to him. We are in for a treat, as he is going to grow and become a better hitter right in front of our eyes.
2.Steal 25 bases
Benny has speed, there’s no doubt about that. He is certainly not afraid to use it on the base-paths. In each of the last 2 seasons, he has been aggressive when he gets on base. In 2017, he had 20 stolen bases and was caught 5 times. Last season, he stole 21 bases and was caught only 3 times. He also added 2 stolen bases in the ALDS against the Yankees.
His on base percentage has gone up in each of the past 2 seasons as well, .352 in 2017 and .366 in 2018. Being at the head of the lineup will allow for more opportunity for the 24 year – old to reach base.
Boston was third in all of baseball with 125 stolen bases, which was a jump from 6th in the MLB in 2017 with 106 stolen bases. Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. were his only teammates to reach double-digit stolen bases with 30 and 17 respectively.
Getting on base and applying pressure to the opposing pitcher with a powerful lineup behind him, along with the aggressiveness of Alex Cora, Andrew Benintendi could steal 25 bases this season. The lefty certainly has the raw ability to hit for 20 home runs and steal 20 bags in 2019.
3. Add to his trophy collection
Defending their title isn’t going to be easy. The Boston Red Sox will have a target on their back, but if the players are hungry, the Sox will do whatever they can to take home another title. Besides the obvious, Benintendi should have some other trophies and awards in his sights this season.
A Gold Glove award is most certainly attainable for the left fielder. It seemed like he would make an amazing play every game. One of his best catches was in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Astros. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, the Red Sox were clinging to a 2 run lead as Craig Kimbrel allowed Houston to load the bases. Alex Bregman was up and on the first pitch, hit a line drive to left field, where Benny dove forward to seal the win and take a 3-1 series lead. Benintendi was a finalist for the Gold Glove in left field, but it ultimately went to Alex Gordon of the Kansas City Royals.
Andrew Benintendi could also make his first All Star Game appearance in 2019. Last year, he was a candidate for the Final Vote, but came up short to Jean Segura of the Seattle Mariners. If he is able to have a good offensive first half, Benintendi could be a lock for the mid summer classic and not even have to rely on the Final Vote.
If the Red Sox are able to make yet another deep post season run, Benintendi could also be a candidate for ALCS MVP or possibly even World Series MVP. He has had some big plays in big moments so far in his young career, hopefully he is able to capitalize on it if one presents itself.
However this season plays out, Benintendi should have a big year for the Boston Red Sox. 2019 could provide a sneak peek of what we could come to expect from Benny for years to come.