The Royals have made the first significant move of this year’s trade deadline sending Andrew Benintendi to the New York Yankees, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The return is reportedly LHP T.J. Sikkema, RHP Beck Way, and RHP Chandler Champlain.
Sikkema, who turned 24 two days ago, is the 19th ranked prospect in the Yankees system according to MLB Pipeline, 23rd according to Baseball America, and 18th according to Fangraphs. Sikkema was the 39th overall draft pick in 2019 out of Mizzou. He lacks power stuff but is very polished with a fastball that sits low-90s and touches 95, along with a slider and changeup that both look like they could be at least average big league offerings.