While Juan Soto has taken over the rumor mill, it’s best not to forget about all of the Andrew Benintendi trade rumors in 2022.
Coming off his all-star selection, Benintendi is undoubtedly one of the best players available at the deadline.
He should have plenty of suitors, giving the Royals no shortage of Benintendi trade ideas to consider before the trade deadline.
Andrew Benintendi trade rumors 2022
Of course, while a trade seems inevitable, where he’s traded is very much up in the air.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams attached to the Andrew Benintendi trade rumors in 2022 and where he’s most likely to end up.
Red Sox
The Red Sox have to be disappointed with the play of their outfield this season. They’ve started to get a little more lately, but it’s not enough.
Outside of Alex Verdugo, there isn’t much there, which is why a return to Boston is one of the more viable Benintendi trade ideas, as the Red Sox traded him to the Royals before the 2021 season. Of course, either Verdugo or Benintendi would have to move to center field.
Phillies
The Phillies need Benintendi as much for his defense as his offense. They have played too much of the season with Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos in the outfield together.
Benintendi won a Gold Glove last year and would provide an immediate defensive upgrade without taking away from Philadelphia’s potent lineup.
Mariners
It’s not a stretch to think that the Andrew Benintendi trade rumors in 2022 will involve the Mariners, who always seem to be active in the trade market. With Seattle winning 14 in a row heading into the all-star break, the Mariners are contenders and should be buyers at the deadline.
Jesse Winker, Justin Upton, and Dylan Moore just aren’t getting it done at the corner outfield spots, especially with Taylor Trammell on the IL. That makes Benintendi a perfect solution for the Seattle outfield, which needs a more reliable option flanking Julio Rodriguez in center field.
Marlins
Miami has enough pitching to make a run during the second half of the season if the Marlins can upgrade their offense. That has to put Benintendi on their radar, especially with Jorge Soler and Avisail Garcia underperforming while youngsters Jesus Sanchez and Bryan De La Cruz are showing that they just aren’t ready to make an impact offensively in the majors.
Benintendi would also offer an upgrade defensively while changing Miami’s batting order, making him the ideal acquisition for the Marlins.
Yankees
It’s no secret that the Yankees are disappointed with Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks and are looking to upgrade their outfield at the deadline.
They might prefer someone who has a little more experience in center field, but Benintendi surely fits offensively. Even if hitting for power isn’t a huge part of his game, it’s not hard to see Benintendi fitting in as a left-handed batter at Yankee Stadium.
Brewers
The Brewers will take an offensive upgrade anywhere they can get it. That will put Benintendi on their radar, although it might require Christian Yelich to move to center field.
The center-field tandem of Tyrone Taylor and Jonathan Davis isn’t pulling its weight offensively. But adding Benintendi and rearranging the defensive configuration in their outfield would give the Milwaukee lineup a much-needed offensive boost.
Padres
The Padres are still waiting for Fernando Tatis Jr. to return, but they can’t afford to be too patient when it comes to adding outside help offensively. Wil Myers is having an injury-plagued season while center fielder Trent Grisham has been dreadful.
The problem is that either Benintendi or Jurickson Profar would have to play center field.
But that move is worth considering if it means getting Benintendi’s bat into the lineup and getting Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth a little more support.
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