The MLB Trade Deadline is the best time of the year. You will never see this many blockbuster deals in any other league before the deadline. Sure, the NBA moves around players but nobody moves around more than the MLB during the deadline. Why, you ask? Because prospects matter more than ever in the MLB.
The Yankees just acquired a home-run hitting phenom in Joey Gallo and it took a lot to get him. But listen, he’s not only a home-run hitter. He’s also got a gold glove in right field and has an absolute cannon that has already been showcased plenty of times this season.
Gallo and pitcher Joely Rodriguez will be on the move from Texas for a package of prospects including Ezequiel Duran, Trevor Hauver, Glen Otto and Josh Smith. None of these guys are top 10 prospects in the Yankees system.
The Yankees don’t have much left-handed hitting in the first place. They ranked dead last in the majors in average at .197 from lefties this season and had only 22 home runs with an OPS of .633 from lefties on the year. Gallo is one of the best lefties in baseball and despite his high strikeout rate, he’s getting better at limiting strikeouts and finding ways to get on base.
While his strikeout rate is lower than usual, his walk rate is higher than usual and he’s, again, found ways to help his team. Right now, Gallo is 27-years-old and will be under contract into the 2022 season. The Yankees aren’t just getting a rental with this deal. He’s sixth in the AL with 25 home runs and has 55 RBI’s. His average is low at .223 and has one home run since the All-Star Break. Take it into consideration for your MLB odds.
On the year, he’s saved 14 defensive runs this season and is one of just two players with 20 home runs and 10 defensive runs saved on the season. Gallo kind of knew he was on his way somewhere after he spoke to the Rangers fans on Tuesday night after the game via the local television broadcast.
“We don’t know the future, and I don’t want to like miss an opportunity to tell everybody I appreciate it,” Gallo said. “I’ve been 10 years here. I remember last year when I almost got traded, there was like a lot that I was thinking, ‘Man, I wish I would have done this, I wish I would have said something.’ “I want the fans to know that I appreciate everything they’ve done for me and supporting me and buying my jerseys and whatnot. You know, I really appreciate it.”
The Rangers got a solid package of prospects that they believe can turn into stars despite none being in the Top 10. With this move, they have bolstered their farm system and can now start rebuilding into a contender again. Meanwhile, the Yankees have a lot of ground to make up. They’re nine games behind the Red Sox as of July 29 and aren’t even slotted into a Wild Card spot at this moment behind the Rays, Athletics and Mariners.
Gallo will be helpful. He’s got a left-handed bat and can hit absolute bombs in Yankees Stadium. The stats prove that if all of his batted balls in his career were at Yankees Stadium he would have more home runs in the box score. Perfect if you are looking for your MLB picks.
That’s what he’ll bring to the table. While the offense has struggled, it’s still fierce. Imagine having to face Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Joey Gallo back-to-back-to-back? That’s what Gallo can bring to the table. He’ll be a terrific fielder and has plenty of power to make a difference-maker. And even if the Yankees miss out on the playoffs this year, they’ll have Gallo next year and will look to regroup and figure things out in 2022 to make the playoffs again. Top sportsbooks are excited to see how Gallo performs in New York!