Philadelphia Phillies: Andrew Benintendi trade in the works?
By David Esser
Philadelphia Phillies making a move for Boston OF Andrew Benintendi?
While the New York Mets are out there landing the likes of Francisco Lindor and potentially George Springer/Kris Bryant, it appears that the Philadelphia Phillies have their sights set on a different player, one who Dave Dombrowski has an abundantly strong connection to.
According to the host of the Locked On Red Sox podcast (@gfstarr1 on Twitter), the Phillies and Red Sox have had preliminary discussions on a deal that would send Andrew Benintendi to Philadelphia, while former #1 overall pick Mickey Moniak heads to Boston.
Just heard the Phillies have talked to the Red Sox about Andrew Benintendi for CF Mickey Moniak and a Triple-A arm.
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) January 12, 2021
This would be very interesting since it's Bloom & Dombrowski.
22 y/o Moniak made his debut in 2020, going 3-for-14 with 6K & 3 runs scored in 8 games.
Benintendi, being made available due to Boston’s desire to shed payroll this offseason, was one of the Red Sox’ main building blocks during their championship run back in 2018. He’s hit .273 with a .789 OPS across five major league seasons, and has been an above average defensive option out in left field. He’s coming off a 2020 campaign where he batted just .103, only appearing in 14 games for the Red Sox due to injury.
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Despite showcasing himself as one of the more promising young outfielders in the American League prior to 2020, Benintendi’s value is at an all-time low. Considering the Phillies’ need for outfield depth (and an extra lefty in the lineup), and Dombrowski’s past relationship with Benintendi, this is a fairly believable connection that’s being made.
The puzzling part to this trade rumor is the fact that it feels like Dombrowski and the Phillies are “over paying” for the likes of Andrew Benintendi. While Benny would definitely be an upgrade over the likes of Andrew McCutchen, Roman Quinn, and even Adam Haseley, he’s no superstar. Giving up Moniak (a former #1 overall pick!) feels like a pretty steep price to pay especially considering the fact that guys like Lindor, Yu Darvish, and Blake Snell went for pennies on the trade market.
Boston also has little to no leverage here. Benintendi is coming off a miserable, injury-riddled season, and his $6.6 million salary for the 2021 season makes him less-than-desirable compared to other options. There’s a handful of other outfielders that can be signed in free agency for less, and probably better guys who can be acquired via trade.
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However, with all of that said, adding someone of Benintendi’s caliber instantly makes the Philadelphia Phillies a better baseball team. He could be the organization’s franchise left fielder for the next 5-6 years, and he’s been a key peace on a World Series winning squad. While bailing on a former #1 overall pick stings a little bit, it’s hard to disagree with the notion that adding a 26 year old outfielder like Benny improves the Phils for the long haul. Acquiring Benintendi doesn’t magically make the Phillies postseason contenders, but it’d be a step in the right direction.