Outfielder Andrew Benintendi is on his way to the Bronx after a late-night deal was struck between the Yankees and Royals.

None of this is remotely shocking considering A) The Yankees’ need for a left-handed impact bat to replace the hollowed-husk of Joey Gallo, B) The desire to not lose much or any athleticism defensively, and C) The deep pockets and prospect reservoir that the Yankees are operating with.

The Royals, in return for the veteran rental, received three pitching prospects, all ranking within New York’s top 30 according to Baseball America, none higher than 13th.

For the Yankees, the arrival of Benintendi could not come soon enough. Despite owning baseball’s best record for the overwhelming majority of the season, the Astros and Dodgers have moved in on their territory, threatening homefield advantage throughout both the American League and, if necessary, the World Series.

What was once a nine-game lead over both contenders in mid-June has morphed into the Yankees now trailing the Dodgers by .003 percentage points, and holding a narrow 2.0 game lead over the Astros.

That isn’t all on Gallo’s shoulders.

The team is weathering injuries, slumps, and losing razor close games and they’re still owner of the best record in the AL.

Still, the Yankees are well aware that the postseason is a different animal and that a potential match-up with Houston in the ALCS is a problematic scenario given their historic ineptitude at the plate against them this season (.150 team average in seven games).

Adding Benintendi adds high contact and high OBP to a lineup in desperate need of balance and certainty beyond their usual suspects. This move goes a long way towards achieving that.

Here’s a likely version of their lineup moving forward:

1. DJ LeMahieu 3B
2. Aaron Judge CF
3. Anthony Rizzo 1B
4. Giancarlo Stanton RF
5. Matt Carpenter DH
6. Gleyber Torres 2B
7. Andrew Benintendi LF
8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa SS
9. Jose Trevino C

Keep in mind that the Yankees are receiving overwhelmingly unexpected results from Carpenter (1.194 OPS in 37 games) and Trevino (first-time All-Star selection and a career-high .727 OPS with seven home runs) and probably can’t rely on that long-term.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Yankees pursue another impact bat to shore up any doubt.

The Yankees parted with an underwhelming trio of pitching prospects that preserves the upper crust of their farm system and will allow them to continue to pursue badly-needed rotation and bullpen arms in light of injuries to Luis Severino and Michael King.

It should stand as no surprise that the Yankees struck the first major deal of this trade season and it is widely expected that they will continue to mount an assault on the market for big names and big impact.

While it isn’t impossible, I would imagine this move and the need for pitching all but eliminates the Yankees from trade talks for Juan Soto, which are said to be heating up as this is written.

But keep your eyes peeled for Reds starter Luis Castillo, any number of Cleveland Guardians starters, Marlins starter Pablo Lopez, A’s starter Frankie Montas, and a Pirates closer David Bednar as the Yankees zero in on their targets.