Boston Red Sox Rumors: Andrew Benintendi an expendable asset
Are the Boston Red Sox done with Andrew Benintendi? Current MLB trade rumors say that they are.
The Boston Red Sox may be set to trade another fan favorite.
According to the Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Red Sox have picked up the phone and have indeed been in trade talks involving left fielder Andrew Benintendi.
This is not the first time the team has shopped Benny Ballgame, but according to Bowden, trade talks have become more “serious.”
According to multiple sources the #RedSox have been in serious trade talks with multiple teams re: OF Andrew Benintendi looking for prospect(s) type return with emphasis on P & OF....nothing imminent though
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) January 9, 2021
While nothing is “imminent”, the fact that Chaim Bloom is shopping the 26-year-old outfielder for prospects appears on the surface to indicate the team has another move up their sleeve.
With center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. testing the free agency market, Benintendi was viewed as a potential candidate to move over to center. But odes these current trade rumors mean the team is close to bringing Bradley Jr. back? Or have they just given up on Benintendi, who had a horrible start to the 2020 MLB season before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
The team only has Alex Verdugo and Hunter Renfroe as the other outfielders under contract, so unless the Red Sox are playing to move Michael Chavis to the outfield or bring up top prospect Jarren Duran, trading Andrew Benintendi would create another hole.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
That’s why it is possible Chaim is envisioning another move, via free agency or trade that would solidify the Boston Red Sox outfield if indeed Benintendi is traded for prospects.
If the Boston Red Sox trade Andrew Benintendi
Now, Andrew Benintendi did have a horrid start offensively in 2020, but teams who may be interested in the young, talented outfielder will be looking more at his production in 2019 and the potential he still has.
While Boston Red Sox fans would love for him to reach that potential in Boston, he is an asset that could help the team further build the farm system. By trading him, the team would be showing confidence in Alex Verdugo, who then would be the favorite to play center field.
But what about right and left field?
That is where things could get interested. Unless Jackie Bradley Jr. does return, the Red Sox could actually make a blockbuster deal for a player like Kris Bryant and move him to the outfield. There are also sever free agent outfielders still available for the team to make a splash on.
Next. Boston Red Sox Rumors: 3 blockbuster trades that would rock MLB. dark
Once viewed as rising star in the league, it appears the Boston Red Sox are ready to move on from Andrew Benintendi. If they don’t actually pull off a trade, they are certainly sending a message to the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year runner up that 2021 may be his last chance to show his shine in a Red Sox uniform.