Andrew Benintendi rumors: 3 teams with better trade chances after vaccination status revealed

ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 20: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates his two-run home run with Whit Merrifield #15 in the first inning the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 20, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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Andrew Benintendi, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Nicky Lopez #8 of the Kansas City Royals rounds third base to score on single by Andrew Benintendi #16 in the top of the second inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on June 17, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Andrew Benintendi trade destination: The Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are the only American League team of the three on our list but they have already played in Toronto this season.

After winning nine in a row, they enter Wednesday with a record of 45-42 and tied for the final AL Wild Card spot. Assuming that they are buyers at the trade deadline, one area that they need to make some upgrades is either in the outfield or at the DH spot. If they acquired Andrew Benintendi, they could, in essence, address both.

Their current left fielder is Jesse Winker, who is hitting .226/.341/.337 with an OPS+ of 100 but he is the club’s worst defensive player, as he has -9 DRS.

Their most frequent DH has been Abraham Toro. Toro is only hitting .180/.234/.325 with an OPS+ of 61. He would be best as an infielder on the bench.

So they could address left field and DH with one move. Additionally, with Benintendi being a rental, they could turn to an outfield/DH combination of Julio Rodríguez, a healthy Kyle Lewis, Jarred Kelenic, and Taylor Trammell next year and Benintendi could sign elsewhere.

Right now, they might be the perfect fit for Benintendi.

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