Andrew Benintendi’s 2024 Season, A Statistical Breakdown
Quick Answer
Andrew Benintendi's 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox produced a .240 batting average with 20 home runs and 63 RBIs over 116 games, marking a rebound in power but continued inconsistency at the plate. His season ended prematurely due to Achilles tendinitis, and he was placed on the injured list in September 2025.
As of June 2026, Benintendi is in the midst of another season with a .236 average and 7 home runs, while trade rumors have persisted around his contract as the White Sox explore salary relief options.Key Facts
- Benintendi posted a .240/.307/.431 slash line with 20 home runs and 63 RBIs in 116 games during the 2025 season for the Chicago White Sox
- His 2025 campaign ended early due to Achilles tendinitis, and he also missed time with calf and adductor injuries
- Through June 2026, Benintendi is batting .236 with 7 home runs and 32 RBIs, with an OPS of .704
- The White Sox reportedly placed Benintendi on the trade market during the 2025-2026 offseason, willing to include cash in trade talks
- Benintendi's barrel rate increased to a career-high 11.0 percent in 2025, while his flyball rate rose from 34.7 to 48.8 percent since 2023
- He has been used across multiple outfield positions (left field, right field, center field) and occasionally as a designated hitter
- Benintendi changed his uniform number to 42 on April 15, 2026, per minor league transactions
Background and Context
Andrew Benintendi entered Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox in 2016, winning a World Series in 2018 before being traded to the Kansas City Royals in 2021. He signed a significant free-agent contract with the Chicago White Sox prior to the 2023 season, expected to provide consistent on-base ability and solid outfield defense.
However, his tenure with the White Sox has been marked by injury interruptions and uneven performance. The White Sox organization has undergone substantial changes since Benintendi joined.The team has struggled to compete in the American League Central, leading to front office decisions about roster construction and payroll management. General manager Chris Getz has publicly addressed the team's needs, and Benintendi's contract has become a topic of trade speculation as the White Sox look to reshape their outfield and allocate resources differently.Benintendi's 2025 season represented a partial return to power production, with 20 home runs matching his career high from 2017 with Boston. However, his batting average remained below his career norms, and his on-base percentage of .307 was modest for a corner outfielder.The increase in flyball rate and barrel rate suggests intentional swing changes aimed at generating more power, but this came at the cost of contact consistency. Injuries have been a recurring theme.Benintendi dealt with wrist issues in 2023, Achilles problems in 2024, and a series of lower-body injuries in 2025 including calf and adductor strains. The Achilles tendinitis that ended his 2025 season raised questions about his durability and long-term outlook.As of the current 2026 season, he has remained active but with a batting average that continues to hover around .236.Detailed Explanation
Performance Trends and Swing Adjustments
Benintendi's statistical profile has shifted noticeably in recent years. His flyball rate increased from 34.7 percent in 2023 to 48.8 percent in 2025, representing a significant change in batted ball approach.
This shift correlates with his career-high barrel rate of 11.0 percent, meaning he is making hard, elevated contact more frequently than at any point in his career. The trade-off is visible in his batting average.A higher flyball rate typically reduces batting average because fly balls result in hits less often than line drives or ground balls. Benintendi's .240 average in 2025 was down from his .262 career mark entering that season.However, the increased power production partially offset the lower average, resulting in a .431 slugging percentage that was his best since 2021. The 2026 season through mid-June shows a similar pattern: a .236 average with 7 home runs and a .704 OPS.These numbers, while not elite, represent a player who is providing some power but not the consistent on-base threat the White Sox hoped for when signing him. The OPS of .704 places him near the bottom third of qualified outfielders.Injury History and Its Impact
Benintendi has missed significant time due to injuries in each of his three seasons with the White Sox. The timeline of injuries reveals a pattern:
- 2023: Wrist injury in July
- 2024: Achilles issue beginning in June
- 2025: Calf strain in May, adductor injury in April, Achilles tendinitis ending his season in September
The recurring nature of these injuries suggests that Benintendi may be dealing with chronic issues that affect his ability to maintain consistent performance. Lower-body injuries, particularly those involving the Achilles and calf, can impact a player's running speed, defensive range, and lower-body mechanics during swings.
The White Sox have managed his workload by occasionally using him as a designated hitter, but his primary defensive value comes from playing outfield. When his mobility is compromised, his overall value diminishes substantially because he is not a premium offensive player even when healthy.Trade Market Dynamics
During the 2025-2026 offseason, the White Sox reportedly made Benintendi available in trade discussions. Multiple sources indicate the team is willing to include cash in any deal, suggesting they are motivated to move his contract for salary relief rather than expecting significant player return.
The trade market for Benintendi faces several obstacles. First, his remaining contract value is substantial for a player with recent injury history and mediocre production.Second, the number of teams seeking a corner outfielder with his profile (limited power, average defense, injury concerns) is likely small. Third, the White Sox may need to pay down a significant portion of his salary to facilitate any trade.A poll conducted by MLB Trade Rumors in October 2025 found that 40 percent of respondents believed the White Sox would trade Benintendi for little return beyond salary relief, while 39 percent thought he would remain with the team. These numbers reflect the uncertainty surrounding his trade value.As of June 2026, no trade has occurred. Benintendi remains with the White Sox, and his performance in the current season will likely influence whether another offseason trade attempt materializes.Defensive Versatility and Positional Value
Benintendi has played left field, right field, and center field for the White Sox, providing some defensive flexibility. His primary position has been left field, where his arm strength and range are adequate but not exceptional.
Playing center field is a stretch for him, especially given his injury history, but he has logged innings there when needed. The ability to play multiple positions adds some value, but Benintendi is not a defensive standout at any position.His value is primarily tied to his bat, and when his offense is below average for a corner outfielder, his overall contribution becomes limited.Common Questions and Misconceptions
Is Benintendi a power hitter now?
The increase in home runs to 20 in 2025 represents a career high, but labeling him a power hitter would be misleading. His 2025 home run total was achieved over 116 games, which projects to roughly 28 home runs over a full 162-game season.
That would place him in the middle tier of power hitters among outfielders. However, his batting average and on-base percentage have declined as his flyball rate increased, meaning he is trading contact for power.The net result is a player who is not elite in either category.Are the White Sox actively trying to trade him?
Based on available information, the White Sox have been willing to discuss Benintendi in trade talks and have expressed willingness to include cash to facilitate a deal. This indicates they are motivated to move his contract but have not found a suitable trade partner.
The fact that no trade has occurred as of June 2026 suggests either insufficient interest from other teams or an inability to agree on terms.Does his injury history make him unplayable?
Benintendi has been able to play through injuries but has missed significant time in each season. His 2025 season ended early due to Achilles tendinitis, but he had played 116 games before that injury.
The question is not whether he is playable but whether he can be relied upon to play 140-plus games at a productive level. His recent history suggests he is likely to miss 30-50 games per season due to various ailments.Is he still the same player who won a Gold Glove in 2021?
Benintendi won a Gold Glove with the Kansas City Royals in 2021, but his defensive metrics have declined since then. Age, injuries, and the transition to playing in larger outfield spaces have all contributed to reduced defensive value.
He is no longer considered an above-average defender, and his range has noticeably diminished.Could a change of scenery help him?
This is a common question for struggling players. Benintendi's issues appear to be a combination of injury problems and a declining skill set rather than a simple lack of fit in Chicago.
A new team might provide a different coaching staff and environment, but the underlying physical limitations and swing changes would remain. A trade could benefit him if he lands in a park that favors his flyball tendencies or if a team can better manage his injury load.What to Watch For
Health and Durability in 2026
Benintendi's ability to stay on the field for the remainder of the 2026 season will be critical. He has already played through the first half without major injury, but his history suggests caution.
Monitoring his usage in the outfield versus designated hitter, any trips to the injured list, and how he recovers from minor ailments will provide clues about his long-term viability.Trade Deadline Potential
The July 2026 trade deadline could present another opportunity for the White Sox to move Benintendi. If a contending team suffers an outfield injury or needs a left-handed bat, Benintendi could become a target.
The White Sox would likely need to cover a significant portion of his remaining salary to make a deal work. Fans should watch for reports of increased scouting presence at White Sox games and any changes in his playing time leading up to the deadline.Plate Discipline and Batted Ball Profile
Benintendi's walk rate and strikeout rate are worth tracking. In 2025, he walked 40 times against 82 strikeouts in 420 at-bats, a reasonable ratio.
If his walk rate declines or his strikeout rate rises, it would signal that pitchers have adjusted to his new approach. Conversely, if he maintains or improves his plate discipline, he could become a more consistent offensive threat.Defensive Metrics
Defensive metrics for outfielders can fluctuate year to year. Benintendi's defensive value in 2026 will influence whether teams view him as a full-time starter or a platoon option.
Poor defensive numbers could further diminish his trade value and playing time.Organizational Direction
The White Sox's broader strategy will affect Benintendi's role. If the team continues to rebuild and prioritizes younger players, Benintendi's playing time could decrease.
If they believe they can compete soon, they may keep him as a veteran presence. Chris Getz's public comments and roster moves will provide signals about the organization's intentions.Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andrew Benintendi's current contract status?
Benintendi signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the White Sox prior to the 2023 season. He is under contract through the end of the 2027 season, with a club option or buyout for 2028.
The specific salary breakdown for each year is not provided in the available reference content, but his remaining contract value is significant, which complicates potential trades.How does Benintendi's 2025 season compare to his career averages?
His 2025 batting average of .240 is below his career average of approximately .262 entering that season. However, his 20 home runs matched his career high from 2017.
His .431 slugging percentage was his best since 2021. The season represented a trade-off between higher power and lower average compared to his earlier career.Why did the White Sox consider trading Benintendi?
The White Sox have reportedly been willing to trade Benintendi primarily for salary relief. The team is in a rebuilding phase and may want to allocate their payroll to other positions or younger players.
Chris Getz's comments at the GM meetings suggested the team is evaluating all options to improve the roster, and Benintendi's contract is one of the larger commitments on the books.What are Benintendi's main weaknesses as a player?
His main weaknesses are his declining batting average, susceptibility to injuries, and reduced defensive range. His on-base percentage has dropped below .310 in recent seasons, which is low for a corner outfielder.
His power, while improved, is not elite enough to offset these weaknesses entirely.Could Benintendi return to his All-Star form?
Benintendi was an All-Star in 2022 with the Kansas City Royals, when he hit .304 with a .373 on-base percentage. Reaching that level again would require a significant reversal of his current trends, particularly his declining contact rate and rising strikeout rate.
At age 31 (as of the 2025 season), players rarely rediscover their peak form, but improvements in health and approach could lead to a partial rebound. The most realistic outcome is that he remains a slightly below-average to average regular rather than returning to All-Star production.Reference Notes
Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.
Verify with official sources before acting.