‘I’m Not Against It but…’- Newly Acquired Yankees Outfielder Softens Stance on COVID-19 Vaccination After Finally Moving From Kansas City Royals to the Bronx

New York Yankees are doing everything to play postseason games this season. And to do that, they need to strengthen their roster with reliable backups for every position. Andrew Benintendi, the latest addition to the Yankees roster, might be one of the smartest moves the Yankees have made before the trade deadline.

Notably, earlier this week, the Yankees acquired Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals. Given the second half of the current MLB season is yet to be over, including an outfielder as good as Benintendi will only increase the depth of the Yankees’ batting lineup.

After becoming a Yankee, Benintendi addressed the media on Thursday and discussed several matters. While his media address, Benintendi also talked about his COVID-19 vaccination status. Notably, the All-Star outfielder is yet to take the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the former Royals outfielder said that he would not mind taking it if it comes to that.

The Yankees outfielder Andrew Benintendi will take the COVID-19 vaccine if needed

Not to forget that the same Benintendi could not play against the Toronto Blue jays because he refused to take the vaccine. Notably, the Canadian government does not allow international travelers who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, Benintendi confirmed that taking the COVID-19 vaccine would not be a big deal for him. Per CBS Sports, Benintendi said that he is open-minded about it.

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“I’m still positioned in the same spot,” Benintendi said. “I’m open-minded about it, I’m not against it. But time will tell.”

Per an ace MLB insider, Bryan Hoch, Benintendi also confirmed via Twitter that getting the vaccine was not the condition of this trade. “Andrew Benintendi said that he remains unvaccinated and did not discuss getting the shot as a condition of this trade,” said the tweet.

Yankees traded three minor leaguers to acquire Benintendi

The Aaron Boone-led team has done wonders in the current MLB season, especially in the first half. Be it Nestor Cortes Jr. or Matt Carpenter, the underdogs have been the biggest strength for the Pinstripes this season. And now, after adding an experienced hitter, Boone will have better options in the batting order.

Per CBS Sports, to get Benintendi by their side, the Yankees traded three pitchers, Beck Way, T.J. Sikkema, and Chandler Champlain to the Royals. Although Benintendi is having a good run this season, only time will tell how big of a help he will be for The Bronx Bombers.

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What are your expectations from the newly acquired Yankees outfielder?