Atlanta Braves Trade Target: Andrew Benintendi

Might the Atlanta Braves be interested in bolstering their outfield with a trade deadline deal for Andrew Benintendi?

The Atlanta Braves outfield has been a source of inconsistency for the team thus far. Adam Duvall’s struggles have been well documented and have tormented Braves fans in 2022. We know he is here to slug and slug he has not. The one tool in his offensive tool belt is missing. He showed up at the job site and left that one at home. If he can’t figure it out then something will have to give.

Ronald Acuna Jr. is easing back into action and we hope he’ll be able to avoid any setbacks and be an everyday player by the end of the season. Considering the nature of his injury and the fact that he has only started in the field in 14 games (as of Saturday 06/04) we still have uncertainty about where he’ll be by season’s end.

How will Michael Harris hold up over a larger sample size? Eddie Rosario doesn’t have a definite timetable, although we are beginning to hear positive reports.

There are plenty of questions. Enough questions for us to ask one more question. Will the Braves be in the market for an outfielder at the deadline?

Why Andrew Benintendi Would be a Good Fit for the Atlanta Braves

2015’s seventh overall pick, Andrew Benintendi has resurrected his career since last season’s move to Kansas City. A Gold Glove winner last year, Benintendi has slashed .290/.343/.437 since donning the royal blue hat in 2021.

Benintendi is set to become a free agent at the end of the year and is earning $8.5 million in 2022.

The move would give Atlanta a left-handed bat with exceptional defense. The ideal scenario would have Acuna Jr. healthy in CF to move Marcell Ozuna to DH. This would create an opening for Benintendi to play LF, where he won his Gold Glove Award last season.

Benintendi makes good sense in the Braves lineup with his ability to generate contact. As noted before, the Braves are striking out at an epic pace.

Andrew Benintendi has only struck out in 14.2% of his plate appearances this season. His on-base percentage is a sterling .392. His addition could address a lot of deficiencies the Braves are currently afflicted with.

What are your thoughts? Would Benintendi be a good fit in Atlanta? Will he be necessary at the deadline or do you think the Braves will get enough in-house contributions? Let us know in the comments. Who else would you like to see Braves target?