Yankees free-agent outfielder is option for Mets | Andrew Benintendi updates, rumors, buzz

The New York Mets are interested in a free-agent outfielder from the New York Yankees. But it isn’t Aaron Judge.

Indeed, the market is starting to heat up for outfielder Andrew Benintendi.

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Here are the latest updates and rumors:

Wednesday

The Athletic reports “With (Aaron) Judge set to return, the Yankees intend to accelerate other free-agent pursuits. Left-hander Carlos Rodón, outfielder Andrew Benintendi and Japanese outfielder Matsataka Yoshida are among the players in whom they have interest.”

Tuesday

The New York Post’s Mike Puma reports “The Mets have shown interest in Andrew Benintendi as a possible corner-outfield option. Kevin Kiermaier would bring a good glove if the Mets want to sign a center fielder, but offensively perhaps wouldn’t bring enough to a lineup needing a bat.”

However the Yankees haven’t given up on the idea of re-signing Benintendi.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees have “talked about” Benintendi.

NJ Advance Media’s Brendan Kuty reports (general manager Brian) Cashman said that the Yankees would “love” to have Benintendi back.

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The Yankees traded for the 28-year-old outfielder ahead of the Aug. 2 deadline. At the time, he was among the league leaders in batting average for the Kansas City Royals and coming off his first career All-Star appearance.

But the Gold Glove Award winner didn’t exactly impress in pinstripes, hitting .254 in 33 games before being sidelined by broken right hand.

The Yankees held out hope that he could return during the postseason, but he never made it back before New York was swept out of the American League Championship Series by the Houston Astros.

MORE MLB:

– Yankees’ Jameson Taillon, Mets’ Taijuan Walker sign with NL contenders

– Yankees, Giants playing the waiting game on Aaron Judge

– Mets ‘holding out hope’ on signing Brandon Nimmo | Latest updates, rumors

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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.

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