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White Sox Unexpectedly Lose $75 Million All-Star Trade Chip

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 6:26 PM ET

Any trade involving Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi might be on hold for the foreseeable future.

The White Sox announced Benintendi suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right hand Thursday afternoon. Cleveland Guardians pitcher Logan Allen drilled Benintendi with a first-inning pitch, and the veteran outfielder immediately left the game.

The White Sox said Benintendi, who turns 31 in July, will not require surgery. However, Benintendi will almost certainly miss Opening Day and could remain out through April.

With respect to Benintendi, he’s not exactly a massive loss for a White Sox team fresh off an MLB-record 121 losses.

Benintendi hit .246 with 25 home runs, 109 RBI, and a mediocre .684 OPS in his first two seasons with the White Sox. Chicago signed him to a five-year, $75 million contract following the 2022 season, and he’s rewarded the White Sox with -0.6 bWAR over 286 games.

However, Benintendi will likely nonetheless be a popular trade target this summer. The 2022 All-Star selection is a proven lefty bat who tied a career-high with 20 home runs last season.

Benintendi’s injury is potentially good news for ex-Texas Rangers All-Star outfielder Joey Gallo, who is in White Sox camp on a minor-league deal. Alternatively, the White Sox could make ex-New York Yankees fan favorite Mike Tauchman a starter until Benintendi’s eventual return.

The White Sox open the regular season March 27 against Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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