Countdown to Sox Spring: Benintendi next in long line of homegrown left fielders

This is part of a new BSJ series, designed to get you ready for spring training. Each day, we'll take a look at a particular position and examine it from the major league level, evaluating depth at the position and looking ahead to some prospects in the minors.

TODAY: Left field

OVERVIEW: The position of left field has some historical significance for the Red Sox. Think about it: Ted Williams, then Carl Yastrzemski, then Jim Rice. That’s three Hall of Famers, almost in succession, covering about 50 years at the position.  It’s premature, of course, to lump Andrew Benintendi in with that trio. Benintendi is just 23, and the 2017 season was his first full year in the big leagues. But Benintendi is off to a terrific start to his career, and it’s almost inconceivable that he reached the big leagues in August of 2016, having never played above Double A before his promotion. In some other organizations, Benintendi might still be in the minors, sitting atop the MLB Prospect Rankings. Instead, he’s already established for the Sox.

THE STARTER: Andrew Benintendi

CONTRACTUAL STATUS:  Not yet arbitration eligible, salary for 2018 TBD
ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY:  After 2022 season
NOTABLE  2017 STATS:  .352 OBP/.424 SLG/.776 OPS…Ranked among Top 3 on Sox in RBI (2^nd, with 90), BB (2^nd with 70), SB (2^nd, with 20) and runs scored (3^rd with 84)…Became just third Sox player in history with 20 or more homers and 20 or more steals…Led all A.L. LF in assists (11)…Hit .351 with RISP.
ASSESSMENT: Benintendi is truly among the most valued young players in the game and remains under the Red Sox control for the next five seasons. He is an above-average defender in left (and a capable backup in center) and is probably the second-fastest member of the Red Sox roster, behind only Mookie Betts. At times, he was overly aggressive on the basepaths last season, but some of that stemmed from the direction being given by former manager John Farrell and the coaching staff. It’s expected – though, obviously, not guaranteed – that Benintendi will hit more homers as he gains experience. He may never be a 40-homer guy, but reaching 30 on a consistent basis would surprise few people.

THE BACKUP: Bryce Brentz
CONTRACTUAL STATUS: Not yet arbitration eligible, salary for 2018 TBD
ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY: After 2023 season
NOTABLE 2017 STATS: (At Triple A Pawtucket): .336 OBP; .518 SLG/,854 OPS
ASSESSMENT: Brentz had his best pro season, with 38 homers, the most for anyone in the Red Sox’ system. Strangely, despite that, he wasn’t given a call-up in September when rosters expected. He was heading toward minor league free agency when the Red Sox put him on the 40-man roster in October, thus protecting him and indicating that he’s at least somewhat in their plans.  Brentz will be given the first shot to win the fourth-outfield spot on the major league roster. He can handle the corner outfield spots and has a powerful throwing arm, though he’s not played much center field and likely won’t be asked to play there much, if at all. The biggest challenge for Brentz, should he make the roster, will be getting accustomed to playing irregularly.

THE FUTURE: No one player in the system can currently be classified as a potential left fielder of the future. It’s one of the thinnest positions on the Red Sox’ organizational depth chart. The team has a host of players in the lower minors, mostly international free agent signings, who appear to have little in the way of power and project more as organizational players who can fill minor league rosters, but offer little upside. Then again, with Benintendi filling the position (presumably) for the next five years, there's time to develop some alternatives down the road.