The New York Yankees are reportedly finalizing a Joey Gallo trade with the Texas Rangers that they hope pushes them towards the postseason. Left-handed pitcher John King is also reportedly heading to the Yankees. The deal is not yet official pending medical review.
The full details of the return are yet known, but it could include prospects such as Ezequiel Duran and Everson Pereira, two of New York’s top 30 per Baseball America. Jeff Passan reported the news Wednesday evening. Other reports indicate, but do not yet confirm that Trevor Hauver, Glenn Otto, Josh Smith, and Randy Vasquez are also involved.
BREAKING: The New York Yankees are finalizing a deal to acquire outfielder Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers, sources tell ESPN. The deal is pending medical review.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 29, 2021
Yankees Finalizing Joey Gallo Trade
Gallo has been very good this year despite Texas’ overall struggles. The 27-year-old slugger currently has a .223/379/490 slash line with 25 home runs and 125 strikeouts in 388 plate appearances. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers on their own, but they do translate to 139 OPS+, making Gallo the most productive hitter on the team and one of the best in baseball through its halfway point. His left-handed power should excel with Yankee Stadium’s particular dimensions.
The Rangers are the only team Gallo has ever known since they drafted him 39th overall in the 2012 Amateur Draft. The Nevada native leaves Texas with a career slash line of .211/336/497 and 145 home runs. Gallo has long been criticized for his low batting averages, but it is hard to ignore his sheer power.
What This Means
Gallo should be able to play one of several positions for the Yankees. The best option is perhaps left field where his arm can be most effective. New York has struggled in 2021, but they are 6-4 since the All-Star break. Gallo could be just what they need to surge for a Wild Card birth.
This move should make Texas fans very sad, but it’s for the best. The return from this trade should help bolster a farm system that has consistently ranked in Baseball America’s bottom-third. They would have gained nothing from another year of Gallo’s services. This trade should speed up what has felt like a very long rebuild.
Players Mentioned: Joey Gallo, John King, Ezequiel Duran, Everson Pereira, Trevor Hauver, Glenn Otto, Josh Smith, Randy Vasquez
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
