It was a sound strategy, in theory. Andrew Benintendi has shown a knack for getting on base at a solid clip and possesses enough speed to be a threat on the bases. The Boston Red Sox wanted to move Mookie Betts down a spot in the lineup where his emerging power would be more of a factor in run production. Flipping the two outfielders in the order to place Benintendi in the leadoff spot made sense on paper.
The experiment didn’t last long. Benny struggled to adapt to the leadoff role, hitting a disappointing .