Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Prior to the 2021 MLB trade deadline, the New York Yankees acquired slugging outfielder Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers in what was considered a significant move at the time.
With the Rangers, Gallo hit 145 career home runs in 568 games, including multiple 40-homer seasons, with an .833 on-base plus slugging percentage and elite outfield defense.
However, with the Yankees, Gallo has been unable to find his stride. In New York, the left-handed hitter has batted just .159/.291/.368/.660 with 25 home runs over 140 games.
Although Gallo has never been one to post a high batting average, his numbers across the board represent a significant decline in production and it has led to the Yankees looking to move on from him just one year later.
The club is reportedly trying to trade him, although they seem likely to designate Gallo for assignment if they can’t find a trading partner. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams who have expressed interest in Gallo, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
The club has also shown interest in Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo, according to sources.
A trade for Gallo would represent a belief he can rebound to form when he was one of baseball’s most intriguing players with a profile similar to Max Muncy that combined elite power with a good eye and quality defense.
In his career, Gallo has been named to two All-Star teams and won two Gold Glove Awards, so perhaps a change of scenery from the high-pressure market of New York would do him wonders. He also has experience playing all three outfield spots and both corner infield positions, which could make him more intriguing to the Dodgers.
But regardless of a potential Gallo rebound with a new club, the Dodgers’ interest is likely just due diligence to assess the market and come up with backup plans for anything they may pursue ahead of the trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday.
Dodgers trade deadline targets
The Dodgers appear to be targeting a left-handed hitting outfielder as they remained in the mix for Washington Nationals superstar Juan Soto before the San Diego Padres reached a tentative agreement, and showed interest in Andrew Benintendi prior to being acquired by the Yankees, and David Peralta before the Tampa Bay Rays landed him.
L.A. additionally has been linked to Miami Marlins pitchers Anthony Bass and Pablo López.
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