San Diego Padres do not need Joey Gallo

It is not a surprise that the San Diego Padres would be on the search for outfield depth. Each of their starting outfielders – Wil Myers, Tommy Pham, and Trent Grisham – have spent time on the Injured List this season. Meanwhile, the lineup has slumped lately, directly contributing to a 4-6 record over their past ten games.

Given those two issues, the Padres have their sights set high. According to reports, they are once again pursuing Rangers’ outfielder Joey Gallo, who they had attempted to trade for last season.

San Diego Padres do not need Joey Gallo

Gallo would, in theory, be an upgrade to the Padres’ lineup while their regulars are sidelined. He has reached the 40 homer plateau twice in his career and has been one of the premier sluggers in the game. However, he has not been the same player since wrist surgery in 2019.

That has been the case as well this season. Heading into Monday, Gallo had produced a .207/.365/.389 batting line in 241 plate appearances, hitting ten homers and five doubles. He leads the AL with 79 strikeouts, but has also drawn a major league leading 45 walks.

In theory, Gallo would push either Grisham or Pham to a fourth outfielder role, providing the Padres with enviable outfield depth. The problem is that most of Gallo’s value in terms of his OPS comes from his ability to draw walks. It is fair to wonder if he is that much more of an upgrade than what the Padres currently have in their lineup when the outfield is healthy.

The Padres certainly need depth. And their lineup needs a wakeup call. But their lineup is already solid and is just going through a rough stretch, which happens to every team. Adding a solid fourth outfielder would be just as helpful, and would likely cost far less on the trade market than Gallo would.

The San Diego Padres are reportedly interested in Joey Gallo once again. Considering what it would cost to acquire him, he is a piece they do not need.