3 Yankees free agents who won’t be back next season and why
By Tim Boyle
2) Yankees acquired Andrew Benintendi as a rental, not a long-term option
Maybe it’s because he is best-known for playing with the Boston Red Sox, but the idea of Andrew Benintendi staying with the Yankees by choice doesn’t seem right. His slow start hasn’t helped make him a fan favorite. He just doesn’t seem to be having enough fun to want to stay.
It takes two to tango on a major league deal. It’s not only Benintendi who should have some second thoughts. The Yankees, too, should move on.
New York knew exactly what they were getting when they acquired Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals. He came to the Yankees as a rental. It’s a rental he shall stay.
In searching for their next starting left fielder, the Yankees might want to consider a few other options. Do they move Aaron Hicks there and seek a center field option? Is Giancarlo Stanton even a factor on defense? What about Aaron Judge? Will he be back?
Benintendi just doesn’t seem like the right long-term fit for the Yankees. He’ll have suitors out there. A team like the Chicago Cubs who are looking to build but do so a little slower could come calling. Benintendi won’t break the bank with his free agent contract, so even the more frugal ball clubs ready to spend even a little bit could be an option.