Andrew Benintendi rumors: AL East teams back in trade hunt despite vaccination status

Royals OF Andrew Benintendi isn’t vaccinated but it’s not stopping his trade market.

The Kansas City Royals are almost certain to trade outfielder Andrew Benintendi to another team here in the next week and a half before the trade deadline.

However, it was revealed last week that Benintendi is not vaccinated for COVID-19 as when the Royals traveled to Toronto to face the Blue Jays in a four-game series, Benintendi and nine other Royals were placed on the restricted list because they were not allowed to enter the country of Canada.

With that, it seemingly looked like Benintendi would not be traded to the AL East because they have to face Toronto three times per season in Canada. They could also face the Blue Jays in the playoffs. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Andrew Benintendi still could be traded to the AL East

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, some of the AL East teams are still showing interest in Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi.

There are a lot of teams that need some outfield help throughout baseball and in the AL East. The Yankees have Joey Gallo and his bat (or lack thereof) in left field. All three of the Red Sox primary outfielders have struggled offensively. The Rays have had some injuries and unproductive players in the outfield.

The lone Royals All-Star entered the All-Star break hitting .317/.386/.401 with three home runs, 37 RBI, 14 doubles, and an OPS+ of 124 in 87 games. Defensively, he has also been above league average with 1 Defensive Run Saved (DRS).

Benintendi is a free agent at the end of the season so he would be a rental but he could be a huge boost for some teams offensively. However, if there is a bidding war between numerous teams for him, the Royals may be able to get a lot from a desperate team seeking more outfield offense for the final two months of the season.