Judge was effusive in his praise after the Yankees landed All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for three minor leaguers. “He’s a very good player,” Judge, who stranded five runners and had three hits against the Mets, said of Benidenti. “I had the opportunity to play against him for several years when he played in Boston. I have seen many impressive things. … It’s definitely going to be a big part of what we’re doing here.” Benidenti played for the Red Sox from 2016-2020 and was part of the 2018 World Series champions that took down the Yankees in four games in the ALDS. After a rare outing in which the MVP candidate put five runners on base and struck out three times, Judge was smiling brightly in the visitors’ clubhouse. Getty Images For Judge, it’s the left-handed outfielder’s reliable bat that stands out the most. “Bat-to-ball ability, speed, he always works well at bats and then if you’re not too careful, he can leave the yard on you. I’ve seen it many times at Yankee Stadium,” Judge said. “He’s just a well-rounded player, that’s for sure.” Benidenti is having a breakout season in Kansas City, hitting .320/.387/.432 in 93 games. While his power and burst off the bat leave a lot to be desired — the 28-year-old has three home runs and a career-low 4.4% slugging percentage — Benintendi possesses elite bat-to-ball skills and will help balance out the Yankees strong lineup. Benidenti is currently having the best season of his career in Kansas City, hitting .320/.387/.432 in 93 games. Getty Images The addition of Benintendi is a much-needed boost for the Yankees, who struggled in July after dominating the first part of the season atop the AL East. Their 3-2 defeat by Metz on Wednesday marked their 10th defeat in 15 matches. “I think adding a guy like that would definitely give us a little boost,” Judge said. “I think it will fit right in.” The move is the Yankees’ first big plunge of the MLB trade deadline week, though likely not their last. The club has also set its sights on other difference-makers, such as starting pitchers Frankie Montas and Luis Castillo. As for Benidenti, his first time wearing the pinstripes will likely come against a familiar foe — the Royals and Yankees begin a four-game series Thursday at Yankee Stadium.
