The New York Yankees could go in several different directions to replace Joey Gallo in the outfield. With Gallo struggling considerably this season, hitting .166 with a 28.8% on-base rate and 38.3% strikeout rate, general manager Brian Cashman will be on the move trying to upgrade the position with a more reliable offensive threat.
The Yankees have been routinely connected to Bryan Reynolds from Pittsburgh and Ian Happ from Chicago, but Kansas City Royals OF Andrew Benintendi fits the bill perfectly as well.
According to the New York Post, the Yankees could deal for Royals outfielder, Andrew Benintendi:
They have held talks about acquiring Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi (and likely other available outfielders) while also conducting discussions with other teams about dealing away Joey Gallo.
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What would Benintendi bring to the New York Yankees?
Benintendi might not be the elite slugger the Yankees prefer. However, he’s hitting .317 this season with a 39% on-base rate, three homers, and 34 RBIs. Considering Benintendi smacked 17 homers last season for Kansas City, he could take advantage of the short right porch in Yankee Stadium.
Benintendi is only striking out at 14.2% and features a 10.4% walk rate. He’s one of those players that often tantalizes the Yankees in the other dugout. Acquiring him might turn into a great move. He hosts a 38.1% hard-hit rate and 4.6% barrel rate, which is down 4.3% from last season and 10.8° of launch angle.
If the Yankees can get his hard-hit metrics back up a bit, he could change everything for the outfield, especially when it comes to getting on base. For the Royals, Benintendi usually bats second, which is where Aaron Judge resides in the batting order.
The Yankees may look to utilize Benintendi either as a lead-off man or in the 3rd or 5th slot. Obviously, that would mean moving Anthony Rizzo or Josh Donaldson, which can be justified over supplementing Judge.
In the 3rd slot, Benintendi is hitting .368 with a 44% on base rate. Even more exciting, with runners in scoring position, Benintendi is hitting .276 with a 36.3% on-base rate, including 21 hits over 76 at-bats. He’s only struck out in 12 of those at-bats, representing a great efficiency.
Reportedly, the Royals will want at least one good prospect from the Yankees, but that is a big who?
Considering Benintendi is set to be a free agent after this season, Cashman can’t give up a super valuable piece.