There are some players that, for whatever reason, just cannot handle being a member of the New York Yankees. This appears to be the case with Joey Gallo.
It was not supposed to be this way. Just like with other ballyhooed additions, Gallo was supposed to make an impact upon the Yankees, another powerful bat that could make a difference. Instead, he has been a disappointment, the strikeouts piling up as the power has disappeared.
Joey Gallo becoming dead weight for New York Yankees
Through all the disappointing moments in his tenure, Gallo’s nadir may have come on Saturday. Not only was he slotted into the ninth spot in the batting order, but this was also a lineup that included Miguel Andujar and Matt Carpenter hitting above him. Gleyber Torres was batting cleanup, with Andujar and Carpenter as the fifth and sixth spots of the lineup.
The Yankees had their doubts about Gallo prior to this season. He had been in several trade rumors, with the Yankees looking to send him to San Diego over the winter. It is entirely possible that those trade talks pick up again in the coming weeks.
What is clear is that Gallo just does not seem able to produce in New York. He had a .163/.293/.369 batting line in his 358 plate appearances with the Yankees heading into Saturday, hitting 18 homers while drawing 54 walks and striking out 138 times. If Gallo is not hitting homers, he is not contributing at all for the Yankees. Even his defense has fallen off as he has cost the Yankees a run in left this season after being a Gold Glove winnings outfielder last year.
This is what the Yankees need to look at. Despite their record, they are a flawed team with some obvious holes on the roster. Gallo may be capable of hitting the ball a long way when he makes contact, but those times are few and far between. He is virtually unplayable at this point, and with the holes on their roster, he may need to head out the door.
Yes, Gallo can go on incredible hot streaks. And he may well have one on tap, launching the ball distances that are beyond belief. However, there is no proof at this point that will happen as he just has not hit at all during his time with the Yankees.
The New York Yankees have to do something about Joey Gallo. At this point, he has become nothing more than dead weight on their roster.