Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday night that the New York Yankees have traded for Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo in an effort to get themselves back in the playoff race.
ESPN and The Athletic were among those reporting the deal. The Rangers scratched Gallo from their lineup ahead of a Wednesday night game against the Diamondbacks, fueling speculation that the slugger was about to move.
ESPN reported that the deal is pending medical reviews. While it isn’t yet clear who the Yankees are sending back to Texas, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic tweeted that it would be “a big haul of prospects,†and that New York will also receive pitcher John King.
Sounds like this deal will send Joey Gallo and LHP John King to New York. A big haul of prospects going back to Texas.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) July 29, 2021
Gallo is hitting just .223 on the year, though he’s smashed 25 homers and driven in 55 runs. He also leads the league with 74 walks, allowing him to put up a solid .379 on-base percentage despite his low batting average.
The move signals the Yankees’ intention to fight for a playoff spot down the stretch. New York currently sits at 52-47 after muddling through much of the season around the .500 mark, and was in the market for a left-handed power bat. The Yankees sit three games out of a wild-card spot, and 8.5 games back of the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
Even after news of the trade, the Yankees remain a +3000 pick to win the World Series at FanDuel Sportsbook, far behind leading contenders like the Los Angeles Dodgers (+380) and the Houston Astros (+460). The Yankees are a +1400 pick to overtake the Red Sox (-110) and win the AL East.
