Blue Jays reportedly interested in Andrew Benintendi

Kansas City Royals left fielder Andrew Benintendi is a name to watch ahead of the trade deadline. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jays reportedly interested in Royals OF Andrew Benintendi

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 6/29/22

Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi could be a hot commodity in the coming weeks as the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline approaches.

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that "Benny" was a "name to watch" if the Philadelphia Phillies seek to replace injured MVP Bryce Harper via a trade. MLB Network's Jon Morosi added the Toronto Blue Jays to the mix.

The #BlueJays and #Royals are potential trade partners ahead of the Aug. 2 @MLB Trade Deadline. Toronto is among the teams with interest in Andrew Benintendi, and KC has appealing bullpen arms as well. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 29, 2022

Benintendi is currently slashing .303/.368/.391 with three home runs and 27 RBI. The former first-round pick leads all Kansas City hitters in hits (82), batting average and on-base percentage.

The Blue Jays' typical starting outfield consists of Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernandez and George Springer. The three outfielders — as well as infielders Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Matt Chapman — all bat from the right side, so the addition of a player like Benintendi could give Toronto flexibility from the left side.

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