MLB rumors: Why Yankees, not Red Sox, are favorites for All-Star outfielder

The New York Yankees have emerged as ‘serious contenders’ for Andrew Benintendi. Why he makes sense for the Yankees, and not Boston Red Sox.

The Yankees have emerged as one of the favorites for Benintendi, while Boston continues to wallow in a recent losing streak. A 28-run outburst by the Toronto Blue Jays against Red Sox pitching won’t help matters, either.

Yet, despite all of that, losing is not the reason New York is among the favorites to land Benintendi. Rather, it has to do with the remainder of their schedule.

Benintendi is not vaccinated, and has not shown any inclination to do so as of now. If the Yanks were to trade for him, he’d be unable to travel to Toronto at any point during the regular season or playoffs.

Thankfully, New York has just three games remaining on the schedule in Toronto, and have a sizable lead in the AL East.

MLB rumors: Yankees, not Red Sox, favorite for Andrew Benintendi

Per Mark Feinsand, New York has emerged as a strong suitor for Benintendi.

The Yankees and Brian Cashman weighed the risks. Assuming Benintendi’s asking price has gone down since his COVID-19 vaccine revelation, it makes some sense for the Yanks to trade for him as a corner outfielder in their everyday lineup.

The Royals All-Star is hitting .319/.389/.402 on the season, and has World Series experience in Boston. He’d be just the latest player to experience both sides of that rivalry.

The Sox, meanwhile, are in the middle of the AL Wild Card race and do have several series remaining in Toronto. Specifically, the series starting Sept. 30 north of the border could have huge playoff implications. Benintendi removing himself from the equation would be disappointing, given the Red Sox already have a number of unvaccinated players on their roster.