The New York Yankees can no longer justify rolling with Joey Gallo this season after another horrible month. In June, Gallo hit a putrid .138 with a 26.3% on base rate.
On the season, Gallo hosts a .165 average with a 27.6% on-base rate, nine homers, and 18 RBIs. Gallo hasn’t hit a homer since June 17, nine consecutive games. In fact, he’s currently on a nine-game hitless streak, one of his worst stretches of the season.
Because of that, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will likely dive into the outfield pool at the trade deadline. There are a few options that could be available.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are looking into outfielders:
The Yankees are starting to look at the trade market for an outfielder — no great surprise considering the offensive struggles of Aaron Hicks and especially Joey Gallo.
Heyman also indicates that the Orioles could be willing to deal Anthony Santander.
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What would the Yankees get in Anthony Santander?
Santander is a free agent in 2025 and is preparing to hit arbitration in 2023. The 27-year-old is hitting .235 with a 33% on-base rate this season, including 14 homers and 39 RBIs. As a switch-hitter, he would provide the lefty power the Yankees are looking for in the outfield. He’s a quality offensive weapon who is recording a 10.5% walk rate and 21% strikeout rate.
Santander‘s strikeout rate is about half that of Gallo’s at 39.2%. He has a 40.3% hard-hit rate, 9.2% barrel rate, and 20.2° launch angle. All of his metrics correlate nicely with what the Yankees implement on offense. Taking a look at his spray chart, Santander has hit seven homers to right field this season, meaning he would fit the bill perfectly in Yankee stadium with the short right porch.
The question is, what would the Orioles be looking for in exchange for Santander?
Of course, Cashman would have to put together a comprehensive package of minor-league prospects. A package deal of Luis Medina and Oswaldo Cabrera might get the job done.
There are other options on the market as well, including Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi and potentially Chicago Cubs young gun Ian Happ. However, Cashman will likely look for a slugger to replace Gallo, and Santander will be far cheaper to acquire than Happ.