Most of the New York Yankees trade acquisitions have failed to live up to expectations at this point. One of the more disappointing players the Yankees expected to make a significant impact has been Andrew Benintendi, who hit .320 with a 38.7% on-base rate, three homers, and 39 RBIs with the Kansas City Royals during the first half of the season.
Since joining the Bombers, Benintendi is hitting .228 with a 34% on-base rate, one homer, nine RBIs, and a 21.1% strikeout rate.
Benintendi isn’t known for striking out, featuring a 13.3% rate with the Royals this year. However, transitioning to the pinstripes can deteriorate player production, which we’ve seen over the years with guys like Joey Gallo.
The Yankees are finally getting max value out of Benintendi:
However, Benintendi has begun to produce, getting hot over the past two games against the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets.
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On Sunday, Benintendi posted two hits, including a two-run homer to extend the team’s lead 4–2. He also walked once. Against the Mets on Monday night, he recorded another two hits with two RBIs and a run over three at-bats. He was also hit by one pitch, which led to him making it around the base paths.
“That’s not what lost the ballgame. It’s really the Benintendi at-bats,” Max Scherzer said after the game.
Benintendi has five games with two hits or more as a Yankee over the past month. In July with Kansas City, he posted nine games with two or more hits, showcasing a steep drop-off in offensive efficiency.
However, it seems as if the left fielder is finally pulling his weight and providing a spark in the batter’s box.
With runners in scoring position, Benintendi is hitting .263 with a 32% on-base rate as a Yankee. Previously with the Royals, he was hitting .294 with a 38% on-base rate with RISP. This is a monstrous difference, but if he can get hot at the end of the season, carrying that success over into the playoffs, he might be worth it after all.