Several MLB.com reporters discussed potential destinations for former Madeira High School standout Andrew Benintendi as trade speculation involving the Boston Red Sox outfielder continues, and two of the reporters made strong cases for the St. Louis Cardinals as a suitor.
Here's what Anne Rogers and Ian Browne said about Benintendi as a fit for the Cardinals in the MLB.com article:
Rogers: At first glance, Benintendi jumps out as someone who fits the Cardinals' needs. They're looking for outfield production, and they would love to plug 2018 Benintendi (or even 2019 Benintendi) into their lineup. He's still young, he's relatively low-cost and he still has two years of control, which appeals to the Cardinals. His left-handed bat also fits a need in the Cardinals' lineup, especially if they decide to platoon with some of their other outfielders.
Browne: With the Cardinals, I'd imagine it depends on whether they think Benintendi's $6.6 million salary for 2021 fits in their books. They seem to have a base of young talent they could dip into to make things work.
Rogers: Absolutely. And they very much could let the young talent play another year. Give Lane Thomas another shot, along with Tyler O'Neill. But as bad as their offense has been the past two years, they need an upgrade. If that comes as a platoon outfielder with some of their other young outfielders, that's at least a different look than what we've seen the past two years.
Browne: I also see Benintendi as perfect for St. Louis. He is from the Midwest. That environment would suit him better than Boston. Not sure he likes all the craziness that comes with playing in Boston. He is a shy guy.
Rogers: The Cardinals have the pitching. They're not going to be willing to give up on their top prospects for this trade, but I could see them sending a Majors-ready starter -- Daniel Ponce de Leon comes to mind -- or a reliever if they believe Benintendi can return to his 2018-19 form. They don't have a lot of depth in the second-base department, but they do have outfield prospects. Justin Williams comes to mind, or O'Neill. What they don't want to have happen is another Randy Arozarena or Marcell Ozuna situation -- where they send the player on their way and another team unlocks the talent. That's a big part of this offseason for the Cardinals, too.
Browne: I could see a Majors-ready starter and/or reliever plus a mid-level prospect being enough to get a deal done with the Cardinals.
The Miami Marlins are among teams that have engaged in trade talks with Benintendi, according to a report on Monday from MLB analyst and former Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden.
BostonSportsJournal.com's Sean McAdam reported via Twitter that a deal with the Marlins isn't expected, but the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics have checked in - with the Pittsburgh Pirates considered a potential fit.
Last week, Bowden and WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reported that the Red Sox have been in serious trade talks with multiple teams about Benintendi.
Benintendi, 26, had four hits and 11 walks in 52 plate appearances over 14 games during the 2020 season. He missed most of the season with a strained rib cage.
After debuting for the Red Sox in Aug. 2016, Benintendi started the 2017 season with Boston and hit .271 with 20 home runs and 90 RBI - finishing second in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Benintendi hit .290 with 16 homers, 87 RBIs and 103 runs scored with 21 stolen bases and an OPS of .830 in 2018. In 2019, he hit .266 with 13 homers and 68 RBIs.
He finished a record-setting career at Madeira in 2013 and played two years at Arkansas before being selected seventh overall by the Red Sox in 2015.
Benintendi hired agent Casey Close of Excel Sports Management in Feb. 2018. Excel also represents former Middletown High School standout Kyle Schwarber, who agreed last week to a one-year deal reportedly worth $10 million with the Washington Nationals.
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