Royals trade Benintendi to New York


Kansas City so far in 2022 has had a disappointing season; however, this shouldn't be too surprising with many young players still developing in the big leagues and in the minors. Despite the poor season, the team still has some bright spots on the team including Andrew Benintendi. The Royals acquired Benintendi from the Red Sox in a three team trade involving the Mets in 2021. The outfielder had two great seasons in Kansas City. While with the boys in blue, Benintendi posted a .276 batting average and a .321 batting average after struggling with Boston in 2020. While with the Royals, the outfielder turned his career around in 2021 and definitely in 2022, so much so he was selected to the All-Star game. The Royals on July 27th struck a deal with the Yankees to send Benintendi to New York for a trio of pitching prospects. The pitchers New York sent back to Kansas City include two top 30 prospects from their farm system. The three arms heading back to Kansas City are left handed pitcher T.J. Sikkema, right handers Beck Way and Chandler Champlain. Champlain was selected by the Yankees in the 2021 MLB draft in the ninth round. The right hander in 16 games played in the minors posted a 4.30 ERA with 94 strikeouts. Champlain has a two pitch mix that includes a fastball and a curveball. I wouldn't be shocked if Champlain adds another pitch or two to his pitch arsenal. Along with Champlain, the Royals picked up Sikkema from New York. Sikkema is a graduate of the University of Missouri. The 24-year old unfortunately has played only 15 games in the minors due to multiple injuries. The Royals obviously liked what they saw in his college career and minor league career to this point despite his injury history. Sikkema has a three pitch mix that includes a fastball that can hit 93-95 miles per hour. New York used Sikkema as a starter and a reliever. The hurler's other two pitches include a slider and a changeup. Kansas City will have to protect the newly acquired pitcher from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft in December. Way is the final piece heading back to Kansas City for Benintendi. Way was selected by the Bronx Bombers in the fourth round of the Amateur Draft out of Northwest Florida State. The Northwest Florida State graduate has a three pitch mix that includes a fastball, slider, and a changeup. While at Northwest Florida State, he excelled as a member of their rotation; however, scouts viewed him as a bullpen arm. The Northwest Florida State graduate according to scouts has hit 99 on the radar gun from time to time. The Royals are expected to sell off other players as the trade deadline gets closer. Before trading Benintendi to the Yankees, other teams were rumored to have shown interest in the outfielder including the Blue Jay's, Braves, and Brewers. The Blue Jay's and the Yankees were the two favorites to land Benintendi; but before being sent to New York, the outfielder was unvaccinated removing Toronto as a potential trade partner for the Royals due to Canadian coronavirus vaccine laws. Shortly after being traded to New York, Benintendi told reporters that he will get the COVID-19 vaccine when the trade is completed. Now a member of the Yankees, Benintendi will have a chance to reach the postseason and possibly the World Series this season, while the Royals will have a chance to groom pitchers that will hopefully become important pieces of the team's future plans. 

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