As teams look for a power bat and outfield depth before the trade deadline, several teams have reportedly inquired about Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo.
At this point in time, there is no secret as to what type of player Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo is. He is one of the biggest examples of the “Three True Outcomes” players in the game today, with nearly 58.6% of his plate appearances ending with a home run, a walk, or a strikeout. He has tremendous power when he connects, but that does not happen nearly often enough.
However, as the trade deadline approaches, several contenders are looking for help in their outfield, or a power bat that can change the game. Gallo, for all of his problems, certainly fits that profile. As such, it is not a surprise that several teams, including the Indians and Phillies, are reportedly interested in acquiring the outfielder.
Gallo is a rather polarizing player due to his production. He has a lifetime .197/.316/.484 batting line in his 1077 plate appearances, having hit 73 homers and drawing 148 walks. Gallo has also struck out 410 times, and has ranked second in the AL in strikeouts in each of his two full seasons.
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He also poses a dilemma for the Rangers. As he is under team control through the 2022 season, and is not eligible for arbitration until after 2019, he would theoretically be a part of the Rangers rebuild. However, based on their roster, and what may well be an extensive rebuild, Gallo could also be their best chance to land a significant prospect or two in return.
There are also questions about Gallo defensively, at least in the outfield. He has not exactly been great in left, costing the Rangers nine runs in his 61 games there. This is also a position he is learning, with just 98 career games in left. However, he has been better at first, saving two runs over the course of the season. And, Gallo did begin his career at third, a position that has been blocked due to Adrian Beltre. He would, in theory, provide a great deal of versatility.
The big question is how much another team would covet Gallo’s production. The batting line and contact rates are brutal, but there is something to be said for a player who can change the course of a game with one swing of the bat. Gallo, if nothing else, could be a fearsome power threat off the bench, playing a couple of times a week and ready just in case the situation demands a player that can put the ball out of the park when he connects.
Given his age, as Gallo is only 24 years old, and his service time, he could be quite the attractive piece. It is certainly possible that the Rangers would get players to help in the next few years with their rebuild. Even if those players are a year or two away, Texas will not be a contender overnight. They will certainly be able to wait for that amount of time.
Teams are reportedly interested in Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo. If the right offer comes along, it would make sense to trade the slugger.