Joey Gallo to New York
Gallo came to the Yankees from Texas on July 29 as the feature of a six-player package.
Unlike Rizzo, Gallo basically flopped in New York. Down the stretch he batted just .160 and while he did produce 13 home runs that was nearly half of his entire hit total for the final two months.
In the Wild Card game with Boston, Gallo batted cleanup, started in left, and went hitless in four at-bats, leaving three runners on base.
Signed through the end of this season, his 2022 has not gone any better. Sharing outfield time with three teammates, he’s batting in the .150s with a .621 OPS.
In that trade, the Yankees also acquired Joely Rodriguez, who they have since flipped to the Mets in a swap of journeyman pitchers.
To get Gallo, the Yankees sent Texas four minor leaguers, three of whom have at least since seen major league daylight in Texas.
Josh Smith has taken over as the Rangers’ regular third baseman, although his .221 average and .617 OPS say he’s learning on the job.
Glenn Otto is a 26-year-old who’s been given a rotation spot. Again, on-the-job learning is at work here. Otto is 4-7 in 15 big league starts this year with a 5.50 ERA.
Ezequiel Duran is a 23-year-old backup to Smith producing so-so numbers.
The fourth Ranger pickup is minor league outfielder Trevor Hauer, who is struggling at High-A Hickory.
Verdict: Gallo has been a millstone in New York. The Rangers at minimum got three usable parts who may or may not eventually develop into solid big league performers.