3 trade deadline replacements for Chris Taylor following injury news

2. Andrew Benintendi

A former Red Sox who played a role in defeating the Dodgers in the 2018 World Series will be on the trade block in the coming weeks. Andrew Benintendi will almost undoubtedly be dealt by the Royals.

Among the more costly options, Benintendi would be worth it. His defense in left has been pristine (1.000 fielding percentage through 77 games) and he’s hitting for average (.313) while still getting on base at an impressive clip (.381) — on the ROYALS! The Royals are bad!

Put Benintendi toward the bottom of the Dodgers lineup and he’ll likely rake, providing more pop from the left side of the plate. His power numbers might be down considerably (three homers and a .398 slugging percentage), but the Dodgers could use another contact-heavy bat that constantly makes the defense work. Just look at how Gavin Lux’s .290 average has changed the complexion of this lineup.

Benintendi’s .359 BABIP and major cutdown on strikeouts (46 in 331 plate appearances) will really elevate the offense, especially since Taylor’s profile this year (six homers, 27 RBI, 101 strikeouts in 285 plate appearances) has been far from his typical output in recent seasons.

This would also give the Dodgers better defense in the outfield and more versatility when Taylor returns. Benintendi won’t be cheap, but this would be a “contender” move.