5 Early Trade Targets for the Tampa Bay Rays

Target #4 - Andrew Benintendi

Since coming over to the Kansas City Royals in 2021, Andrew Benintendi has recovered hit plus hit tool and solid glove that made him an exciting prospect for the Red Sox in the mid-2010s.

Benintendi has started off 2022 slashing .314/.371/.415 in 132 PA with an OPS+ of 133. With the Rays outfield mostly underperforming outside of Manuel Margot, Benintendi would provide the club with a consistent on base machine in the lineup everyday.

Benintendi should not cost the club a ton in value either as he is an impending free agent. The club would probably be delaying the return of Josh Lowe to the roster or need to make some hard decisions on Kevin Kiermaier or Brett Phillips, but time is ticking and the need is clearly there.