On Wednesday night, the Boston Red Sox traded Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals. While Benintendi was a fan favorite, the trade came as no surprise. Benintendi had been involved in rumors all winter and is coming off a lost 2020 season. In return, the Red Sox received prospects Franchy Cordero, Josh Winckowski, and three players to be named later. For Boston, the move adds depth to the farm system but also marks the end of an era in Boston.
Three years ago, the Red Sox had one of the best outfield trios in Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Benintendi. The three were nicknamed the “Killer B’s” and were a key part of the Red Sox’s success. During the historic 2018 run, they were among the most productive outfields in baseball. Three years later, Benintendi and Betts have been traded while Bradley is currently a free agent.
Andrew Benintendi became a Red Sox legend forever right here. pic.twitter.com/tud18JMjMV
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) February 11, 2021
The trade also marks the second straight offseason in which the Red Sox have parted with one of their homegrown players. Last year, Betts was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the off-season’s biggest trade. While Benintendi is not the same caliber of player, he still has potential. The former first-round will be more motivated than ever in 2021.
Additionally, a change in scenery may be what the Ohio native needs most. In Kansas City, the expectations will be lower due to the smaller market. That will allow Benintendi to regain his form under less pressure on a rebuilding Royals team. However, for the Red Sox, they are now replacing a player who was seen as a key part of the franchise just a few years ago.
2018’s Unfilled Potential
Following the 2018 season, it seemed as if the Red Sox were on the verge of a special run. However, over the past two years, they have dealt with inconsistency and injuries to key players. Only nine players from the 2018 team are still on the roster as the Red Sox hope to break their postseason drought.
Regardless of how Benintendi performs in Kansa City, his 2018 season will never be forgotten in Boston. The newest Royals outfielder hit .290 during the regular season and stole a career-high 21 bases. In the postseason, Benintendi shined as he made one of the best plays in Red Sox history. In Game 4 of the ALCS, with the bases loaded, Benintendi made a game-saving catch to seal an 8-6 win. Had Benintendi missed the catch, the Astros would have won the game and tied the series at two apiece.
With Spring Training only weeks away, it will be the start of a new era in Boston.
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