Andrew Benintendi realizes his time is coming, perhaps sooner than later.
Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters Saturday he isn’t opposed to calling up a player directly from Double-A to the majors. There’s been no indication to this point the Sox are planning that route for Benintendi, but the 22-year-old outfielder clearly understands his dream is within reach as he continues to thrive at Double-A Portland.
“I think I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about (getting to the big leagues),” Benintendi said ahead of Sunday’s MLB Futures Game in San Diego, according to The Boston Globe. “I’m very confident (about being able to succeed at any level). I think if you’re not confident, you’re not in the right place.”
Benintendi, who was drafted seventh overall last season, has breezed through the minors since joining the Red Sox organization. He opened 2016 at High-A Salem, where he hit .341 with a home run, 32 RBIs, eight stolen bases, a .976 OPS and just nine strikeouts to 15 walks in 155 plate appearances. The success earned him a promotion to Portland, where he’s hitting .288 with six homers, 28 RBIs, six stolen bases and an .844 OPS in 196 plate appearances. Baseball America just named him the No. 9 prospect across Major League Baseball at the season’s midway point.
In short, Benintendi’s been flashing his five-tool potential every step of the way. And with left field being a revolving door in Boston this season, it’s not outlandish to think he could reach The Show before the end of the year if he keeps up his current pace.
“I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m not a fan of all the attention and the media, stuff like that, but I understand it’s part of it and I have to do it,” Benintendi said, per The Boston Globe. “I come from a pretty humble family and I try to be a humble guy.”
The humble guy might soon become a humble big leaguer.
Thumbnail photo via Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports Images
