Joey Gallo to the New York Yankees! Done Deal

The New York Yankees have acquired Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers, finally making the big splash in the trade market expected of The Yankees. In return, Texas gets a big prospect haul. 

The Yankees are finalizing a deal to acquire Joey Gallo from the Rangers, sources tell @JeffPassan. pic.twitter.com/a61uhZxYGd

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 29, 2021

Gallo fills so many needs for New York: a left-handed hitter for that short right-field porch in Yankee Stadium, an all-star gold glove outfielder with the flexibility to play at either of the infield corners, plus team control for another year. MLB Insider Jim Bowden is certainly excited about it:

Joey Gallo to #Yankees

*Improves the balance of the lineup as they were too right-handed
*Gives them versatility as he can play RF,LF,3B,1B
*Improves OF de
*adds athleticism
*might hit 50 HR playing 1/2 games at Yankee stadium
*controllable thru 2022
*can handle NY pressure

— Jim Bowden⭐️ (@JimBowdenGM) July 29, 2021

The Yanks are scrapping to stay alive in the playoff chase, trailing the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox by 8.5 games, and the 2nd Wild Card spot by 3 games.

Gallo has slugged 25 home runs for the Rangers this season, along with an .869 OPS, a big power boost for a Yankees offense that sits 13th in baseball in both HR and OPS. 

Also coming to New York is LHP Joely Rodriguez. The prospects heading to the Lone Star State are Ezequiel Duran, Trevor Hauver, Glen Otto and Josh Smith. 

Expect to see Gallo, sans beard, in Yankee pinstripes, within the next day or so.

Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports