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Andrew Benintendi says this about his time in Boston, especially the 2018 Championship team, “That was a good group. They had all played together for a long time. They took me and made me feel part of the team. That was one of the best teams ever assembled.”
In an interview that will air on Monday's edition of "New Hampshire Today with Chris Ryan", former Red Sox outfielder, Andrew Benintendi, who is now the leftfielder for the Yankees describes being reunited with former teammates and his return to Fenway, as opposing player; talks about the unpopular trade which sent him to the Kansas City Royals; recalls the closeness of the 2018 Championship Red Sox Team; and discusses how he has been able to hit over .300 in an era of low batting averages.
The Boston Red Sox selected Benintendi in the 2015 MLB draft based on his outstanding play for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. He moved quickly through the Red Sox minor league system and made his major league debut on August 2, 2016.
Benintendi soon became an integral part of the team, playing solidly in left field and batting first or second. He performed well in the regular season and in the playoffs and World Series in 2018.
After being signed to a two-year $10 million contract in February of 2020, the Red Sox traded Benintendi to the Royals one year later as part of a three-team deal, which also included the New York Mets.
The players which the Red Sox received in this big trade, as of yet, have not worked out too well. Meanwhile, Benintendi, while playing in Kansas City was hitting well and winning his first Gold Glove.
On July 27, 2022, the Royals traded Benintendi to the Yankees for three minor league pitching prospects.
Benintendi is rather philosophical about the trades which took him from Boston.
“I haven’t even thought about it, honestly. It’s not something that I can control. It’s out of my hands, so at that point you just sit back and listen to where you’re going or where you’re staying.”
About his relationship with his former Red Sox teammates, Benintendi said, “I made a lot of good friends over there. Friendships that will last longer than my career, so I’m thankful for that.”
Players on a team, which has won a Championship, have a special bond; and, according to Andrew Benintendi, the 2018 Red Sox Team is no exception.
“That was a good group. They had all played together for a long time. They took me in and made me in and made me feel part of the team. That was one of the best teams ever assembled.”
At a time when most hitters watch their batting averages plunge while swinging for the fences and into the defensive shifts, Andrew Benintendi explains why he is hitting over .300.
“I take what the defense gives me, try not to do too much.”