This article will be updated as new information comes out
The New York Yankees have tentatively acquired Outfielder Joey Gallo and Left-Handed Relief Pitcher Joely Rodriguez, pending finalization. Jon Heyman, Jeff Passan and Levi Weaver were the first to report.
There is still more news to come regarding who the Yankees will be sending to the Rangers in return. What we know now is that the Yankees plan on sending a package that includes Ezequiel Duran and Trevor Hauver. They are the 15th and 23rd ranked prospects in the Yankees’ organization respectively. It would seem, at the moment, that the Yankees will not be parting with Oswald Peraza, Anthony Volpe, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil or Medina. The Rangers will also be receiving SS Josh Smith and RHP Glenn Otto, but they will also pay the rest of the 2021 salaries for both Gallo and Rodriguez.
Snapshot of Gallo’s Season
Gallo is in the midst of potentially his best season as a Major Leaguer, slashing .233/.379/.490 with a .374 wOBA and a .375 xwOBA. He’s also hit 25 home runs while recording a career best 32.2% K% and a career best 19.1 BB%.
Gallo also provides a great defensive presence to the Yankees. He is in the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average and the 91st percentile in Outfielder Jump. He also boasts elite arm talent, and is a considerable upgrade over the regular Yankee outfielders this season.
Snapshot of Rodriguez’ Season
As for Joely Rodriguez, he provides an additional left-handed arm out of the bullpen. He currently holds a 5.92 ERA with a 3.25 xFIP and a 3.76 xERA.
Rodriguez thrives against lefties, as they slash .176/.282/.206 against him. Righties, on the other hand, mash Rodriguez. They slash .338/.384/.481. He sports mainly a three pitch mix that features a Sinker, Changeup and Four Seamer in order of usage rate.
This is without a doubt a downgrade compared to John King, as evidenced by the Yankees removing two prospects from the deal when King was no longer involved. Nonetheless, adding a lefty specialist is always a plus, and gives Boone more flexibility late in games.
