Mission accomplished for New York Yankees and Joey Gallo

The New York Yankees had done their heavy lifting in the days before the trade deadline. Their biggest needs – another outfielder, a piece to slot into the top of the rotation, and bullpen help – had already been taken care of. All that was left was to get rid of Joey Gallo.

Mission accomplished. According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, Gallo is being sent to the Dodgers in exchange for pitching prospect Clayton Beeter.

New York Yankees turn Joey Gallo into something

A trade has been inevitable for months. The Yankees tried moving Gallo in the offseason but were unable to come close to recouping the type of package they sent to Texas. His continued struggles, and even worse performance this year, meant that they would need to drastically lower their demands.

Nonetheless, the Yankees still received a solid prospect in return. Beeter was considered the Dodgers 15th best prospect according to MLB.com, a pitcher with impressive stuff but a concerning injury history as he had Tommy John surgery and followup surgery on his elbow shortly thereafter.

However, when he is healthy, there is no questioning his stuff. Beeter has a plus fastball and curve, with the heater coming in in the mid 90s that has plenty of carry and a curve that tunnels well with the pitch. He also has a solid changeup with fading action, although he does not use the pitch much. His command is spotty at best, and while the Dodgers wanted to see if he could work as a starter, Beeter is more than likely a late inning weapon out of the bullpen.

Even that is far more than anyone could have expected the Yankees to receive. The Dodgers are hoping that a change of scenery can make a difference and that they catch lightning in a bottle with Gallo. It is entirely possible that will be the case, and if not, they can just cut ties.

For Gallo, this trade is an opportunity. He will be a free agent this offseason and needs something to rebuild his value. Getting out of New York and having that chance with the Dodgers, especially in the middle of a pennant race, is exactly what he needs. If he can go on one of his hot streaks, he could make a difference in Los Angeles and receive a solid deal in free agency.

The New York Yankees have not only found a taker for Joey Gallo, but received a solid prospect in return. It is mission accomplished in the Bronx.