The New York Yankees are in need for some reinforcements in the outfield. Clint Frazier is dealing with neck issues, Ryan LaMarre just injured his hamstring, Aaron Hicks is out, Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with quad issues, and Aaron Judge seems to have something sore every other week.
With that, the Yankees really don’t have anyone that they can rely on in the outfield to stay healthy. Of course, they have the durable Brett Gardner, but Gardy’s sub-200 batting average leaves much to be desired.
The Yankees are targeting some offensive help at the trade deadline this year. Jon Morosi of MLB Network said that the bombers are prioritizing a left-handed bat to fit into the lineup. The bombers have some of the worst production in all of baseball from the left side.
Last night, it was reported that the Yankees were speaking with the Rangers about Delino DeShields Jr. Deshields is off to a hot start for the Rangers AAA team. In 40 plate appearances, DeShields has an impressive .412 average.
Granted, it’s in AAA so you have to take it with a grain of salt. At this time, the Yankees and the Rangers are actively engaged, but there’s another player on the list other than DeShields that could make his way to the Bronx.
Yankees targeting a lefty OF bat?
One of the names on the trading block right now is Joey Gallo. So far in 2021 for the Rangers, Gallo has a .213 average with seven homeruns and 21 RBIs. He does have a .355 OBP which shows you that he has a good eye at the plate.
We all know how the Yankees love guys who know how to draw a walk. Gallo’s average leaves quite a bit to be desired and he does strikeout at a decent clip which is always been a problem for the Yankees.
However, Gallo would bring a lefty bat with some pop to a lineup that desperately needs it. Combine that with the fact that it would give them an additional outfielder and you can start to see the fit.
Gallo would be under team control through the 2022 season. For the Yankees to acquire Gallo, it would take more than it would to acquire someone along the lines of a Delino DeShields.
As of now, Deshields is the only name with steam, but don’t be shocked to hear the Yankees linked to Gallo. The fit is there and that power would play well in the Bronx.