Royals OF Andrew Benintendi Potential Trade Target for Brewers

So far this season, the Milwaukee Brewers’ offense has been improved in comparison to what we’ve seen in previous years. They currently rank 14th in batting average, 5th in OPS, and 4th in total runs scored.

However, that doesn’t mean improvements can’t be made. For one, there is no such thing as having too many good bats, and two, those rankings are a bit inflated from a few 10-plus run performances by this Brewers offense. Overall, consistency at the plate is still a need.

While the MLB trade deadline may still be over two months away, rumors are already beginning to circulate about who the Brewers could target.

In the latest article from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic ($$), he mentions the Brewers, along with the New York Mets, as two teams who could be interested in Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi.

"“Royals left fielder Andrew Benintendi could be an interesting fit for teams seeking a left-handed bat–the Mets and Brewers are two such possibilities,” wrote Rosenthal."

The Brewers could use an offensive upgrade in the outfield, specifically in center field with both Lorenzo Cain and Tyrone Taylor struggling at the plate. But as Rosenthal notes, Benintendi is a left fielder and that is where he has primarily played, especially over the last two seasons–although he does have some experience in center field.

Left field is, of course, where Christian Yelich plays, however, Benintendi was a Gold Glove winner with the Royals at the position in 2022 and could provide a defensive upgrade. As we’ve seen in the past under David Stearns, he isn’t afraid to have too many options at a certain position, as playing time often has a way of working itself out.

For example, the addition of Benintendi could give Yelich more opportunities as the DH and fewer days he has to play in the field–which isn’t a bad thing for his back. Or maybe the Brewers give Benintendi some innings in centerfield, knowing that he isn’t the same caliber of defender at that position as Cain. Again, we’ve seen on several occasions over the years that Milwaukee is willing to sacrifice defense for an upgrade on offense.

The left-handed hitting Benintendi began his career in 2016 with Boston and is a career .276 hitter with a .784 OPS. This season specifically, he is slashing .316/.370/.421 with a 133 OPS+, two home runs, a pair of triples, and two doubles as well. He has also struck out just 12.6% of the time this season, according to Fangraphs.

Benintendi will be a free agent following the 2022 season and is due $8.5 million this year, according to Spotrac. If a trade were to take place, this figure would be prorated depending on when the Brewers would acquire him. And because Benintendi would be a rental, the cost to acquire him will be more affordable for Milwaukee–even with how well he is swinging the bat.

A lot can and will change between now and the trade deadline, and there will certainly be more rumors along the way, but one name to watch for the time being is Andrew Benintendi, who would provide the Brewers outfield with not just an offensive boost but a defensive one as well.