The Dodgers were not too active during the 2022 trade deadline. They were in on the Juan Soto sweepstakes, among other players on the trading block. Ultimately, they didn’t land Soto but instead traded for then-Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo.
Gallo struggled mightly in New York and was only slightly better with the Boys in Blue.
In 44 games with L.A., Gallo slashed .162/.277/.393 with an OPS of .671 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs.
Since being traded to New York from the Texas Rangers in the summer of 2021, he hasn’t been the same.
That is why MLB writer Will Leitch wants to see a Gallo-Ranger reunion.
“Joey Gallo to the Rangers
Gallo’s career OPS for the Rangers? .833. His career OPS for the Yankees and the Dodgers? .663. Gallo has hit at least 38 homers three times in his career, and while it sure looks like he’s never going to get the strikeouts under control, and that .253 average he posted in 2019 looks like an all-timer of an aberration, the guy can still hit the dickens out of the ball (and can still play a little defense, too). The Rangers need some outfielders. Gallo needs to get back to a place where he’s comfortable. The fit is pretty obvious here.”
The 29-year-old was a two-time All-Star with the Texas Rangers and had his best season in 2019, with a career-best batting average of .253 and .986 OPS. Gallo spent six and a half seasons in Texas and has played his best ball in Arlington.
Nothing has been the same for Gallo since. He’s expressed how much pressure he faced when donning the pinstripes in the Bronx and how the fans treated him due to his poor play.
He was able to play more freely in L.A. but never got the chance to find his niche with the Dodgers.
The Nevada native only appeared in one game in the playoffs for Los Angeles and had zero A.B.s to show for it.
If anything, I hope the city of Los Angeles gave Joey the confidence to play like the all-star he once was.
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