Yankees acquire Benintendi: what was Aaron Judge’s reaction?

The Yankees remain the best team in Major League Baseball, but have the Astros breathing down their necks at the top of the American League. Given this, New York has moved to secure one of the most attractive players on the trade market.

Yankees bring in Benintendi

Taking to social media, the ‘Bronx Bombers’ revealed on Thursday that they have reached an agreement with the Royals to acquire Andrew Benintendi. In return, Kansas City will receive pitching prospects Beck Way, Chandler Champlain and TJ Sikkema.

Judge pleased with arrival of “impressive” Benintendi

“He’s a really good player,” Yankees star Aaron Judge told reporters in response to the news of Benintendi’s acquisition. “I’ve had a chance to play against him for quite a few years when he was playing over in Boston and I’ve seen him do a lot of impressive things. It’ll definitely be a big piece to what we’ve got going on here.”

The trade seems positive for both organisations. The Yankees add a much- needed outfielder after the problems suffered by Joey Gallo (who came to NY in a trade during 2021). In addition, Benintendi has made plain his commitment to the Yankees, telling the team he will be vaccinated against covid to be available for the divisional games in Toronto.

As for the Royals, they are losing an $8.5 million contract that expires in the offseason. They also get talent that could be a long-term boost to their pitching, which is fourth-worst in the league, with a combined 4.69 ERA.

Back to the AL East

For Benintendi, this will be his second adventure in the AL East. The 28-year-old spent the first five seasons of his career with the Red Sox.

At Fenway Park, the outfielder was second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2017, and won the World Series a year later. With Boston he hit .273/.353/.435, with 502 hits, 280 RBIs and 51 home runs.