Joey Gallo who transferred from the Rangers in a big deadline deal last summer, has spent the last year in the Bronx. The power-hitting outfielder had just received his second All-Star selection in his career and was hitting 25 home runs in 95 games while posting a .223/.379/.490 slash line.
Gallo’s time in New York was a huge letdown after the Yankees undoubtedly had visions of his left-handed pop playing flawlessly on the small right field porch at their home ballpark.
Following the trade from the previous year, the 28-year-old struggled to a.160/.303/.404 line over 58 games. His rate of punchouts increased from 32.2 percent to 38.6 percent despite the fact that he has always been a high-strikeout player.
Joey Gallo was kept by the Yankees through arbitration in the hopes that his performance will return to normal for his career. The reverse happened, and in 2022, his struggles were even more obvious.
Gallo’s power has declined as his strikeout percentage remained close to its level from late 2021 (38.8%). In 82 games, he has hit 12 home runs while his average exit velocity has decreased from a robust 91.3 MPH to a close to average 88.4 MPH.
Even though Joey Gallo continues to draw a lot of walks, his average batted ball numbers are insufficient for a guy who whiffs so frequently.
New York grew increasingly frustrated with Gallo’s ongoing struggles (as did his own, as he candidly addressed with Lindsey Adler of the Athletic recently).
It’s a poor moment to sell Joey Gallo, but the Dodgers don’t expect to sign a player who will bat.159/.293/.368 in over 500 plate appearances, like Gallo did with New York.
They are relying on his prior success, hoping that a change of environment and potential mechanical improvements will help him get back on track.
When at his best, Gallo can carry a lineup, as he did in Texas for the first half of 2018 and in a half-season in 2019 when he hit.253/.389/.598 with 22 home runs.
He fills in for Chris Taylor, who is now out with a foot fracture, and he is a standout baserunner and defensive corner outfielder.
