Red Sox news: Boston shopping Andrew Benintendi to revamp farm system

The Boston Red Sox and Chaim Bloom are shopping another asset.

The problem is, the Red Sox don’t have too many tradable assets that they’d prefer to deal. JD Martinez doesn’t command much of a return, while the likes of Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts are virtually off-limits. Adding talent isn’t much easier, with Boston’s prospect base ranking among the worst in the major leagues.

This is where Bloom comes in. The former Rays executive knows how to get creative, especially as it pertains to low-cost initiatives. The Henry family is trying to save money at every corner — like most ownership groups around baseball — as the shortened MLB season with no butts in seats hurt their wallets.

So, who’s one player they can afford to part with that is semi-attractive to opposing fanbases? Why not Andrew Benintendi?

Benintendi’s numbers don’t suggest he’ll get the return Bloom might be hoping for

According to Jim Bowden, “According to multiple sources the #RedSox have been in serious trade talks with multiple teams re: OF Andrew Benintendi looking for prospect(s) type return with emphasis on P & OF….nothing imminent though.”

The former No. 1 prospect hasn’t shown much promise since the 2018 season, when he hit .290 with 16 home runs and 87 RBIs. The last two seasons, he’s taken a major step back, hitting just .103 in 14 games in 2020.

With Benintendi typically slotting in as the starting left fielder, the Red Sox would have to find a replacement should they deal him elsewhere. Considering their need for prospects, it’s unlikely the Red Sox would receive much MLB-ready talent in return for Benintendi.

Boston remains in the middle of their retooling of sorts. Despite some All-Stars of World Series teams past remaining on the roster, dealing Benintendi would be yet another admission that the Red Sox are aiming to get younger, fast.