The Yankees finally completed a Joey Gallo trade. A long-anticipated deal was reported on Wednesday. New York is sending RHP Glenn Otto, 2B Ezekiel Duran, SS Josh Smith and 2B/OF Trevor Hauver to the Texas Rangers. The 27-time World Series winners will also receiver Joely Rodriguez.
Reports are mixed on this prospect return. The Yankees haven’t had to give up any of their top names. It’s still four players with upside, though, which shows the farm depth the Yanks have at their disposal.
Jeff Passan named this an ‘old school blockbuster’. It’s hard to disagree. Texas got a big haul rather than focusing on one top prospect. The Yankees have given up players with clear upside, and who are enjoying big years in the minors.
Otto has been lights out in double-A with 14.2 K/9. Duran is 22 years old in high-A, but he has a .907 OPS. At 23, Smith is a bit older than most organizations would like for at high-A. He’s crushed pitching throughout his career, though. Hauver was only drafted last year – he’s made a bright start in the minors.
Joey Gallo Yankees trade: Fair deal
New York gave up plenty here, but they can feel good about the haul. It’s obviously an aggressive move, yet it isn’t a wild all-in, because Gallo has another year of team control. They didn’t give up any of their top 13 prospects per MLB Pipeline.
There’s enough to talk ourselves into it begin a win for the Yankees. They’ve added an All-Star, a versatile Gold Glove-caliber defender, without ruining their future. The Rangers can be happy, too.
Gallo is going to be a star in New York. He’s not the contact-hitter which many of the fans wanted, but he’s an elite talent at the plate. Facing Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gallo will have pitchers across baseball feeling queasy.
This is a surprise move given where the Yankees reside in the AL East standings. That doesn’t mean they overpaid. It looks a fair trade, and one that both front offices can be happy about now and in 12 months time.
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