Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andrew Benintendi

How Andrew Benintendi built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Andrew Benintendi is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Chicago White Sox in MLB. He has also played for the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, and New York Yankees. Benintendi's career highlights include playing in MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds

In 2013, Andrew Benintendi was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, but he did not sign with the team.

2015: Signed with the Red Sox

In 2015, Andrew Benintendi was chosen by the Boston Red Sox with the seventh overall selection in the MLB draft. He signed with the Red Sox, receiving a $3.6 million signing bonus and made his professional debut with the Lowell Spinners.

2015: Golden Spikes Award and MLB Draft

In 2015, Andrew Benintendi won the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy while playing college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Red Sox selected Benintendi in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft.

August 2, 2016: Major League Debut

On August 2, 2016, Andrew Benintendi was promoted to the major leagues by the Red Sox and made his debut against the Seattle Mariners as a pinch hitter.

2016: Promotion to the Portland Sea Dogs

Andrew Benintendi began the 2016 season with the Salem Red Sox and received a promotion to the Portland Sea Dogs of the Double-A Eastern League on May 15.

2016: MLB Debut with the Red Sox

Andrew Benintendi made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2016, marking a significant milestone in his professional baseball career.

2016: First Postseason Home Run

In 2016, during Game 1 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians, Andrew Benintendi hit a home run in his first postseason at bat, becoming the youngest Red Sox player to achieve this feat. He ended the 2016 season with a .295 batting average.

2017: Second in Rookie of the Year Voting

Andrew Benintendi started 2017 on the Red Sox' Opening Day roster. On July 4, against the Texas Rangers, Benintendi went 5-for-5 with 6 RBIs, two home runs, and a double in the 11–4 victory. He finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2017.

2017: Career high matching Home Runs

In 2017, Andrew Benintendi matched his home run record with 20.

2018: World Series Win and All-Star Final Vote Candidate

In 2018, Andrew Benintendi contributed to the Red Sox's World Series victory. On July 8, 2018, Benintendi was also named as a candidate in the American League's All-Star Final Vote, showcasing his strong performance during the season. For the season Benintendi appeared in 148 games hitting .290 with 41 doubles, 103 runs scored, 16 home runs, 87 RBIs, and stealing 21 bases.

2018: World Series Championship

In 2018, Andrew Benintendi was part of the Boston Red Sox team that won the World Series, achieving a major championship title.

2019: First MLB Ejection

In 2019, Andrew Benintendi experienced his first ejection in his MLB career after making a comment to an umpire. In 2019, he batted .266 with 40 doubles, 13 home runs and 68 RBIs. He was the team's regular left fielder. Manager Alex Cora moved Benintendi to second in the order.

February 8, 2020: Signed Two-Year Contract with Red Sox

On February 8, 2020, the Red Sox announced they had signed Andrew Benintendi to a two-year contract worth $10 million to avoid arbitration.

2020: Trade to the Royals

After the 2020 season, the Red Sox traded Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals, leading to a change in his team affiliation.

2020: Covid-Shortened Season

Andrew Benintendi had negative wins above replacement for the first time in his career, excluding the 2020 COVID-shortened season.

February 10, 2021: Traded to the Kansas City Royals

On February 10, 2021, Andrew Benintendi was traded by the Red Sox to the Kansas City Royals as part of a three-team deal. In his first year with the Royals, Benintendi batted .276 with 17 home runs. He won his first Gold Glove Award.

July 2022: Trade to the Yankees

In July 2022, Andrew Benintendi was acquired by the New York Yankees from the Kansas City Royals, marking another transition in his MLB career.

July 2022: Named All-Star, Refusal to Vaccinate

In July 2022, Andrew Benintendi was named the Royals' lone representative to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game. He was also one of several Royals players who was unable to play against the Toronto Blue Jays due to his refusal to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

July 27, 2022: Traded to the New York Yankees

On July 27, 2022, Andrew Benintendi was traded by the Royals to the New York Yankees.

January 3, 2023: Signed with the Chicago White Sox

On January 3, 2023, Andrew Benintendi signed a five-year contract with the Chicago White Sox.

2024: Power Resurgence and Career Lows

In the 2024 season, Andrew Benintendi matched his career high of 20 home runs. However, his batting average and on-base percentage were career lows for a full season, and he registered a negative wins above replacement.