March 20, 2022

Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi didn't amaze anyone with his numbers last season but contributed a little bit in each category, hitting .276 with 17 HRs, 8 SBs, 63 runs, and 73 RBI over 134 games. His 8.9% barrel rate (55th percentile) and 34.5% flyball rate helped him mash the second-most home runs of his career. Don't be surprised if there's an uptick in that department next season. The seven home run difference from Benintendi's expected total (23.7 xHR) can be blamed a bit by Kauffman Stadium. However, just 10.5% of his flyballs left the park, below the 10.6% rate that Kauffman had in 2021. The 27-year-old doesn't have exceptional speed (63rd percentile sprint speed), but with the way the Royals like to run, Benintendi should attain the 12 SBs that Steamer projects him to reach. He'll also be hitting in the middle of the Royals lineup, which, although not the strongest, will still get him at least 75 RBI and runs across a full season. The former top prospect outperformed his .276 batting average (.261 xBA) last year. But, he's a career .274 hitter, far from his career .246 xBA, so don't assume a drop-off is coming. Once again, Benintendi won't blow anyone away in 2022, but he will provide fantasy managers with enough production to justify taking him at his ADP of 191.--Spencer Seguin