Andrew Benintendi has been linked to the Yankees in trade talks since the first weeks of the regular season, but that potential marriage could be over before initial trade talks could have ever gotten off the ground.
After it was revealed that Benintendi would not be traveling to Toronto with the Royals because of his COVID-19 vaccination status, Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees are now “unlikely” to continue their pursuit of the lefty-swinging outfielder, as New York has several games left against the Blue Jays, a team they could also potentially meet in the postseason. Toronto is still very much in the mix for a Wild Card spot despite having just fired manager Charlie Montoyo.
Canada laws restricts visitors from entering the country unless they are vaccinated, and so far this season, the Yankees have been the lone team that has been able to have their entire roster available for games in Toronto.
Now that Benintendi could be off the Yankees’ trade board, the Bombers could also cross off Benintendi’s teammate Michael A. Taylor, another Kansas City outfielder who New York reportedly had trade interest, but is now also being placed on the restricted list due to being unvaccinated. The Yankees have an outfield need with Joey Gallo continuing to struggle, but now, they likely will look elsewhere.
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