MLB trade rumors are swirling as we roll into the summer and Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo could be one of the biggest names moved during the 2021 MLB season.
Texas is headed to another year at the bottom of the MLB standings and a rebuild feels imminent. Fortunately, the front office could have plenty of contributors who will attract the interest of buyers leading up to July 30. Naturally, Gallo will be the one team’s push the hardest for.
While Gallo isn’t the perfect player, teams will place great value on his defense, power and approach at the plate. At a time when many lineups are struggling, Gallo could be the missing piece who makes a huge difference late in the season.
Let’s examine three Joey Gallo trade scenarios that could happen this summer.
Joey Gallo traded to New York Yankees
Outside of the Minnesota Twins, the New York Yankees might be one of the most disappointing teams in baseball. Surprisingly, the Bronx Bombers’ biggest weakness right now is its batting order. Entering June 10, Yankees’ hitters ranked 21st in slugging (.383), 20th in isolated power (.149) and 15th in FanGraphs’ wRC+ (98).
- New York Yankees acquire: Joey Gallo
- Texas Rangers acquire: Oswald Peraza (shortstop, NYY’s No. 4 prospect), Everson Pereira (outfielder, NYY’s No. 17 prospect), Albert Abrey (right-handed reliever, NYY’s No. 18 prospect)
Gallo is the poster boy of three true outcome hitters, with 55.7% of his plate appearances ending in a home run, walk or strikeout. While there are some dangers with that, the 27-year-old produces results. He owns a .482 SLG and .277 ISO since May 1, hitting nine home runs and walking in 16.4% of his trips to the plate. If that wasn’t enough for the Yankees, he is a quality defender in right field as a reigning Gold Glove Award recipient.
San Diego Padres strengthen lineup
AJ Preller and Gallo have a history. San Diego’s general manager played a key role in drafting the power-hitting outfielder in 2012. Fast forward to the 2020 season and the Padres reportedly inquired with Texas about the slugger. Unsurprisingly, with the Padres a World Series favorite, Preller is still interested in Gallo.
- Joey Gallo contract: $6.2 million in 2021, arbitration-eligible in 2022
The Padres could center a deal around infielder Tucupita Marcano, their No. 5 prospect, right-handed pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza (San Diego’s No. 11 prospect) and outfielder Tirso Ornelas. While the fit might seem strange, given the presence of Tommy Pham and Wil Myers, it seems evident Preller wants his guy. Gallo could take Pham’s spot, with San Diego either using him as a trade chip or a fourth outfielder.
Boston Red Sox acquire Joey Gallo
Few were expecting the Boston Red Sox to be legitimate contenders, especially at this level, in 2021. But Boston’s lineup is doing outstanding work, owning the fifth-highest OPS (.746) and the sixth-best isolated power (.177). All of this is being done despite a lack of consistency from the outfield.
- Boston Red Sox receive: Joey Gallo
- Texas Rangers receive: Hunter Renfroe, Noah Song (right-handed pitcher, BOS’s No. 13 prospect), Aldo Ramirez (right-handed pitcher, BOS’s No. 19 prospect)
Gallo would thrive in this batting order. Place him after Xander Bogaerts and JD Martinez, suddenly the heart of the Red Sox lineup is capable of producing five-plus runs on their own. Better yet for ownership, Gallo’s salary is reasonable and this wouldn’t have to be a short rental.