Andrew Sebastian Benintendi, born on July 6, 1994, has established himself as a dynamic outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his strong all-around game, Benintendi brings a blend of hitting ability, defensive prowess, and baserunning skills to the teams he has played for. This article delves into his career, tracing his journey from a decorated amateur to a seasoned MLB player, while also addressing the questions that baseball enthusiasts are searching for online.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Andrew Benintendi showcased his athletic talents from a young age. He was a standout two-sport athlete at Madeira High School, excelling in both baseball and basketball. In basketball, he set school records for career points (1,753), season points (638), career three-pointers (180), and points per game in a season (25.5), earning Cincinnati Enquirer Division III Co-Player of the Year honors in his junior year (2011-12).
However, it was on the baseball diamond where Benintendi’s future professional path lay. His exceptional skills as an outfielder and hitter earned him numerous accolades in high school, including being named the ACBA/Rawlings National High School Player of the Year and a First Team All-American as a senior after hitting .564 with 12 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases.
Following his stellar high school career, Benintendi committed to play college baseball at the University of Arkansas. His time as a Razorback was nothing short of phenomenal. In his sophomore season in 2015, he led all Division I players with 20 home runs, showcasing a significant power surge. That same year, he was awarded both the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy as the top Division I baseball player in the country and the Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s best amateur player. His remarkable 2015 season also saw him lead the Razorbacks to the College World Series.
Notably, Benintendi was initially drafted by his hometown Cincinnati Reds in the 31st round of the 2013 MLB Draft but chose not to sign, opting to play college baseball instead – a decision that undoubtedly paid dividends.
Professional Career
Benintendi’s outstanding collegiate performance elevated his draft stock significantly. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft with the seventh overall pick. He signed with the Red Sox, receiving a $3.6 million signing bonus, and quickly embarked on his professional journey.
Boston Red Sox (2016-2020)
Benintendi made his professional debut with the Lowell Spinners in the Class A-Short Season New York-Penn League in 2015. He quickly progressed through the Red Sox’s minor league system, showcasing his hitting prowess and athleticism. By the end of the 2015 season, he had also played 19 games for the Class A Greenville Drive, hitting an impressive .351 with a 1.011 OPS.
He began the 2016 season with the Salem Red Sox (Class A-Advanced) and was promoted to the Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A) in May. His rapid ascent continued when the Red Sox promoted him directly to the major leagues on August 2, 2016, just over a year after being drafted. He made his MLB debut that same day against the Seattle Mariners as a pinch hitter and recorded his first major league hit the following day off Hisashi Iwakuma.
Benintendi quickly established himself as a key contributor for the Red Sox. In his rookie season, despite playing only 34 games, he showed flashes of his potential, batting .295 with two home runs and 14 RBIs. He finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, although he did not receive any first-place votes due to Aaron Judge’s unanimous win.
Over the next few seasons with the Red Sox, Benintendi became a consistent presence in their lineup, known for his ability to hit for average, get on base, and play solid defense in left field. A highlight of his tenure in Boston came in the 2018 World Series, where he played a crucial role in the Red Sox’s championship victory. Notably, he recorded the final outs to seal victories in Games 4 and 5 of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros. In 2018, he hit .290 with 16 home runs and 87 RBIs in 148 games.
In the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benintendi played only 14 games for the Red Sox before being traded.
Kansas City Royals (2021-2022)
On February 10, 2021, the Boston Red Sox traded Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals as part of a three-team trade that also involved the New York Mets. This move provided Benintendi with a fresh start and an opportunity to be a key offensive player for the Royals.
His time in Kansas City proved to be successful. In 2021, he played 134 games, batting .276 with 17 home runs and 73 RBIs. He also showcased his defensive skills, earning his first Gold Glove Award for his outstanding play in left field.
The 2022 season saw Benintendi continue his strong performance with the Royals. Before being traded mid-season, he was batting an impressive .320 with three home runs and 39 RBIs in 93 games and was named the Royals’ lone representative to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game.
New York Yankees (2022)
On July 27, 2022, the Kansas City Royals traded Andrew Benintendi to the New York Yankees as they geared up for a playoff push. In his brief stint with the Yankees, he played 33 games, hitting .254 with two home runs and 12 RBIs.
Chicago White Sox (2023-Present)
After the 2022 season, Benintendi became a free agent and signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Chicago White Sox in January 2023. He was expected to be a key offensive contributor and a veteran presence in their outfield.
In his first season with the White Sox in 2023, Benintendi played 151 games, batting .262 with five home runs and 45 RBIs. While the home run total was lower than his peak years, he maintained a solid batting average and provided consistent at-bats.
The 2024 season saw a significant power resurgence for Benintendi. He matched his career-high by hitting 20 home runs, equaling his total from the 2017 season with the Red Sox. He also recorded 64 RBIs, the second-highest on the White Sox. However, his batting average (.229) and on-base percentage (.289) were career lows for a full season, indicating a potential shift in his offensive approach towards more power hitting. He reached a significant career milestone on April 1, 2025, hitting his 100th career home run against the Minnesota Twins.
As of May 5, 2025, Benintendi is in his third season with the Chicago White Sox. In 24 games played in the 2025 season, he is batting .224 with five home runs and 12 RBIs. However, recent news indicates that he departed a game on May 4, 2025, due to left calf tightness and was absent from the lineup on May 5, 2025, being considered day-to-day.
Playing Style and Strengths
Andrew Benintendi is known for his well-rounded skillset. His strengths include:
Hitting for Average: Throughout his career, Benintendi has consistently shown the ability to hit for a solid batting average, making him a valuable top or middle-of-the-order hitter.
On-Base Percentage: He possesses a good eye at the plate and draws a fair amount of walks, contributing to a respectable on-base percentage.
Defensive Ability: A Gold Glove Award winner, Benintendi is an excellent defensive outfielder with good range, instincts, and a strong arm.
Baserunning: He is an intelligent baserunner with decent speed, contributing to stolen bases and taking extra bases when opportunities arise.
Versatility: Benintendi has shown the ability to hit in various spots in the batting order and adapt his approach at the plate.
FAQs
Who is Andrew Benintendi?
Andrew Benintendi is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on July 6, 1994, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and bats and throws left-handed.
What is Andrew Benintendi’s current team and position?
As of the 2025 MLB season, Benintendi plays as a left fielder for the Chicago White Sox.
What are Andrew Benintendi’s 2025 season statistics?
In the 2025 season, Benintendi has appeared in 24 games, starting 23 of them. He holds a batting average of .224, with 5 home runs and 12 RBIs. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) stands at .698.
Has Andrew Benintendi faced any injuries recently?
Yes, Benintendi has dealt with multiple injuries in 2025. He suffered a left adductor strain in April, leading to a stint on the 10-day injured list. He was reinstated on April 17.
More recently, on May 4, he exited a game against the Houston Astros due to left calf tightness and is currently considered day-to-day.
What is the status of Andrew Benintendi’s contract with the White Sox?
Benintendi signed a five-year, $75 million free-agent contract with the Chicago White Sox before the 2023 season. As of 2025, he is in the third year of this deal, with $47.5 million remaining over the next three seasons.
Has Andrew Benintendi achieved any notable milestones recently?
In the early part of the 2025 season, Benintendi reached a career milestone, although specific details were not provided in the available sources.
What is Andrew Benintendi’s background before joining the MLB?
Benintendi played college baseball at the University of Arkansas. He was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first round (7th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut on August 2, 2016.
Has Andrew Benintendi played for other MLB teams?
Yes, before joining the Chicago White Sox, Benintendi played for the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals. He was part of the Red Sox team that won the World Series in 2018.
What are some highlights of Andrew Benintendi’s defensive performance?
Benintendi is known for his defensive skills in the outfield. Notably, on May 3, 2025, he made a leaping catch to end the top of the 7th inning in a game against the Houston Astros.
Is Andrew Benintendi currently on the trade market?
As of early 2025, there were reports suggesting that the White Sox might consider trading Benintendi, especially given the team’s rebuilding phase and his contract.
To conclude
Andrew Benintendi’s journey through the MLB has been marked by significant achievements, challenges, and resilience. From his early days as a promising talent drafted by the Boston Red Sox to his current role with the Chicago White Sox, Benintendi has consistently demonstrated his skills both at the plate and in the outfield.
His tenure with the Red Sox was highlighted by a World Series championship in 2018, showcasing his ability to contribute to team success at the highest level. After stints with the Kansas City Royals and now the White Sox, Benintendi continues to be a valuable asset, bringing experience and leadership to the clubhouse.
In the 2025 season, despite facing injuries such as a left adductor strain and left calf tightness, Benintendi has maintained a presence on the field, contributing to the team’s efforts. His current statistics reflect a player working through challenges but still providing value, with a .224 batting average, 5 home runs, and 12 RBIs over 24 games.
Off the field, Benintendi’s five-year, $75 million contract underscores the White Sox’s belief in his abilities and potential impact on the team’s future. While trade rumors have surfaced, his experience and track record suggest that he remains a key figure in the team’s plans, especially as they navigate a rebuilding phase.
Defensively, Benintendi continues to impress, with plays like his leaping catch against the Astros serving as reminders of his athleticism and commitment. Such moments not only boost team morale but also reinforce his reputation as a reliable outfielder.
In conclusion, Andrew Benintendi’s career reflects the journey of a dedicated professional athlete, facing the highs of championship glory and the lows of injuries and team transitions. His resilience, skill set, and leadership qualities make him a player to watch as the 2025 season progresses and beyond.
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