Benintendi’s Veteran Presence Aiding White Sox

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 24, 2026

The Chicago White Sox are relying on Andrew Benintendi’s decade of major-league experience to guide their young roster as they enter a crucial seven-game homestand against the Astros and Yankees. His leadership is seen as vital for the team’s push to maintain their lead in the AL Central during a pivotal stretch leading up to the trade deadline.

The Chicago White Sox are drawing on the veteran presence of Andrew Benintendi as they begin a key stretch in their American League Central division campaign. Benintendi marked a decade of major-league service time on July 12, an experience his manager says is proving valuable for the team’s young roster.

Benintendi, who debuted with the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 2, 2016, has spent much of the current season as a designated hitter. Over 89 games, he is batting .245 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs. His recent performances include a three-run double in Monday’s 10-3 win over the Texas Rangers, followed by two hits and two RBIs in Wednesday’s 4-2 victory.

“It was great, kind of a good way to get your 10 years, celebrating with your team,” Benintendi said Monday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Despite the milestone, he expressed little fanfare about the achievement. “I wasn’t necessarily expecting that, nor do I feel comfortable with all that. I was hoping it would fly under the radar.”

White Sox manager Will Venable emphasized the importance of Benintendi’s major-league experience for the team. “A guy who has the experience and the wisdom of 10 years in the big leagues and playing at a high level that our players can tap into, that I can tap into and can help us all with his experience,” Venable said Tuesday. He added that Benintendi’s presence is helping younger players develop both on and off the field, fostering leadership within the clubhouse.

The White Sox are embarking on a seven-game homestand beginning Friday with the first of three games against the Houston Astros. Following that series, they will host the New York Yankees for four games starting Monday. These matchups come at a critical point in the season as the White Sox seek to maintain their lead atop the AL Central.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs are struggling to close the gap on the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, sitting seven games back. The Cubs recently went 3-3 on a homestand versus the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers and face a challenging road trip to Pittsburgh and St. Louis before returning to Wrigley Field to face the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. The trade deadline on Aug. 3 adds further significance to this stretch for both Chicago teams.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.