Report: Yankees serious contenders to acquire Royals' Benintendi

The New York Yankees have emerged as serious contenders to acquire Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

New York has been in the market for another outfielder, with Joey Gallo struggling in his first full season with the club. Gallo owns a paltry .642 OPS with 12 home runs and 24 RBIs in 77 games.

Benintendi isn't vaccinated against COVID-19 and hasn't indicated if he'd change that status if traded to an AL East club. Kansas City placed him on the restricted list ahead of its series in Toronto against the Blue Jays before the All-Star break.

The 28-year-old is earning $8.5 million and is scheduled to reach free agency at the conclusion of the season.

Benintendi is no stranger to playing in the AL East, spending the first five seasons of his career with the Boston Red Sox and helping them capture a World Series in 2018.

He was named to his first All-Star team this season. Benintendi owns a .319/.389/.402 slash line with three home runs and 39 RBIs in 88 games in 2022.