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Andrew Benintendi Could be an Ideal Trade Target for the Houston Astros

Josh Bell has been everyone's mind lately, but Andrew Benintendi would also be a welcome addition to the Houston Astros lineup at the trade deadline.

Author:
Leo Morgenstern
Publish date:
Jul 26, 2022 4:00 PM EDT

In this story:

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros could use another bat.

Houston is all but assured to make the playoffs for the sixth straight season. But once they get there, the lineup could use some more firepower to help them compete with dominant offensive teams like the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays.

Washington Nationals slugger Josh Bell has generated plenty of trade buzz lately, and for good reason. Juan Soto aside, Bell is easily the most talented hitter on the trade market.

However, he is not the only option to consider. If Houston is unable to land Bell, they would be wise to focus their attention on Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi instead.

Benintendi is exactly the kind of bat the Astros need. He is not hitting for much power this season, but Houston has no shortage of sluggers.

His .322 batting average, on the other hand, would be a welcome addition to the lineup, as would his .390 OBP.

The Astros have the fifth-highest slugging percentage in baseball and the third-most home runs, but their .240 team batting average ranks just 18th and their .318 OBP ranks 11th.

The downside is that Benintendi is left-handed, and therefore performs much better against right-handed pitching. Houston has had no trouble against righties this season, but they could really use some help facing southpaws.

This is another reason why Bell is such a good fit. He is a switch hitter, and while he has been better against righties, he is still excellent against left-handers.

Benintendi is also not a perfect fit defensively. While he has played center field before, he is much better suited to a corner outfield spot. Dusty Baker would have an easier time slotting him into the lineup if he played center field or first base.

In order to get his bat into the lineup, however, Baker could figure it out. Benintendi could fill in for Michael Brantley while he's on the injured list and he can handle a start in center field every now and then. It's not ideal, but there's a way to make it work.

Benintendi is one of the best hitters available on the trade market. His left-handedness is a problem, as is his lack of defensive versatility, but he would still make the Astros a better team. Houston needs someone who can get hits and get on base, and Benintendi can be that guy.