By: Eilis O’Neil | Staff Writer and Social Media Manager
On February 10, 2021, Red Sox fans received some heartbreaking news. Andrew Benintendi was part of a three-team trade deal with the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the Kansas City Royals. OF Andrew Benintendi will be packing his bags and purchasing a one-way ticket to Kansas City. In this trade, the Red Sox will be receiving OF Franchy Cordero and two other players from the Royals, RHP Josh Winckowsk, as well as another player from the Mets. As my favorite player leaves my favorite team, I am absolutely devastated: but this is baseball.
After a steep decline in the 2019 season for the entire team, rumors emerged of Benintendi’s possible trading. This past summer, he had some playing time, but it was not nearly a regular season. Benintendi had also remained inactive for most of the season due to a rib injury.
There have been rumors about Benintendi being traded since the beginning of the off-season this year. In an interview featured on NBCSports, Benintendi said he was not surprised, as his name had been circulating: “I’m extremely excited… it’s nice to feel wanted.”
Benintendi helped the Red Sox sweep playoffs in the championship season of 2018, especially having made the diving catch to save Game 4 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros with bases loaded, in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs. He has been a backbone to the Red Sox, but I know he will thrive with the Royals.
It will be very unusual to not see number 16 playing left field in a Red Sox jersey anymore. I am extremely sad to see my favorite player go to another team, but I know that being on a team that was on his radar since the collegiate level will allow him to flourish for the coming seasons. Hopefully, both Benintendi and the entire league will be back on their game this season.
Cover Image: “Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi takes batting practice during Saturday’s workout at Fenway Park.” by apardavila is licensed under CC BY 2.0
