Joey Gallo was officially added to the Los Angeles Dodgers active roster one day after being acquired from the New York Yankees at the trade deadline. A corresponding move was made Tuesday, when the Dodgers placed Justin Turner on the 10-day injured list.
The Dodgers traded Clayton Beeter, one of their picks from the 2020 MLB Draft, to the Yankees in order to acquire the struggling slugger. It marked a second consecutive year Gallo was traded at the deadline, as the Texas Rangers dealt him to the Yankees in 2021.
But at that time, Gallo’s stock was much higher than where it sat as the Yankees looked to move him this season. New York acquired Gallo, Joely Rodriguez and cash considerations last year in exchange for Trevor Hauver, Ezequiel Duran, Glenn Otto and Josh Smith.
“That same true talent level is still in place,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“It’s not like an injury, had his foot speed back up, or real really affected the swing, so I think just getting to a different environment, our hitting guys are as good as it gets. We feel like it’s such a really compelling kind of upside story, coupled with the fit.”
Gallo’s struggles in New York and their trade for Andrew Benintendi made a separation all but inevitable. Gallo was a candidate to be designated for assignment if the Yankees had not found a trade partner.
Now he gets an opportunity to put that trouble behind him and help provide a boost from the left side. Gallo is batting .159/.282/.339 with four doubles, 12 home runs, 82 wRC+ and MLB-worst 39% strikeout rate this season. He played both corner outfield positions for the Yankees.
Gallo takes place of Jake Lamb on Dodgers roster
Gallo figures to receive the bulk of his time playing left field or an option off the Dodgers’ bench. His arrival induced a domino effect that saw the Dodgers trade Jake Lamb to the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
Gallo’s tenure with the Dodgers could be brief, as he’s due to become a free agent after the 2022 season. But in the meantime, he’ll be asked to effectively fill the role that Lamb had found success in.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
