Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

Red Sox Trade Rumors: Andrew Benintendi Subject of Serious Talks with Teams

Mike Chiari

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly engaged in "serious trade talks" centered on outfielder Andrew Benintendi this offseason.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, no deal is imminent, but the Red Sox have spoken with multiple teams in hopes of landing prospects in exchange for Benintendi. Boston is especially interested in pitchers and outfielders.

Benintendi, 26, has spent his entire five-year MLB career with the Red Sox.

The 2015 first-round pick looked to be developing into one of the best young outfielders in baseball over his first few seasons.

In 2017, which was his first full season, Benintendi hit .271 with 20 home runs, 90 RBI, 20 stolen bases and 84 runs. He followed that up by hitting .290 with 16 homers, 87 RBI, 21 steals and 103 runs the next season while helping lead Boston to a World Series title.

Benintendi took a step back in 2019, though, hitting just .266 with 13 home runs, 68 RBI, 10 steals and 72 runs.

It is no coincidence that the Red Sox struggled as a team that year, going just 84-78 and missing the playoffs on the heels of their World Series victory.

In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Benintendi was limited to just 14 games due to a rib strain that landed him on the injured list.

He couldn't get anything going in the games he did play in, hitting a meager .103 with no homers, one RBI, one stolen base and four runs scored.

Despite his issues last season, Benintendi is penciled in as a likely starter in 2021 should Boston retain him. He, Alex Verdugo and Hunter Renfroe figure to patrol the outfield with J.D. Martinez serving as the designated hitter.

Trading Benintendi would leave Boston with a hole in the outfield, but it may be a worthwhile move if the pitching-needy Red Sox can replenish their farm system with some promising young arms.

Even without Benintendi, the Sox would have a deep and talented lineup featuring the likes of Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, Verdugo, Martinez and more.

Boston had the third-worst ERA in MLB last season at 5.58, meaning pitching should undoubtedly be the front office's No. 1 priority.

   

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