Now, is it possible that Benintendi is a victim of launch angle and analytics? Absolutely. What Benintendi was, out of college, was a true, bona fide baseball player, which is something that isn’t really valued much anymore. If the Red Sox took that and tried to change it – unsuccessfully after taking Benintendi with the seventh pick of the 2015 MLB draft – that is entirely on them.
Is there any way the Red Sox can address their problems swiftly enough to improve in both the short and long-term? The answer is yes. But it won’t be easy. The answer is yes. But it won’t be easy.
Given the Red Sox’ predicament – few if any prospects, bad free agent market for pitching after the season – they are in a weak position. Benintendi shouldn’t be given away. But given the emergence of Alex Verdugo, Benintendi is an obvious piece to deal for good pitching, something the Red Sox desperately need as they try to rebuild their wretched organizational pitching pool.
The Red Sox are a mess, folks. And there are no simple fixes here. Even if Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez come back healthy next year, the Red Sox are woefully short on young talent overall and young pitching, in particular. The best way to get it is through the draft, which brings us back to the idea of tanking, whether you want to call it that or not.
What to watch for in Red Sox Spring Training, including filling in the starting rotation, replacing Mookie Betts, and an eye on this year's key prospects.
Let’s remember that the Red Sox are in a fairly tight predicament. They want to shed about $30 million or more in payroll while addressing needs at first base, second base and on the mound. They have a thin farm system. And they want to contend at the time.
The Red Sox are reportedly discussing a long-term deal with one of their key players, and some industry sources believe Andrew Benintendi could be the target.
