The New York Yankees were very active around the trade deadline, securing six new players: relievers Lou Trivino and Scott Effross, starter Frankie Montas, pitching prospect Clayton Beeter, and outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Harrison Bader.
Montas is yet to offer the reliability and effectiveness that made him one of the best American League pitchers in the last two seasons, but should be able to do so eventually. Effross was pitching well before going down with a shoulder injury, while Bader should return from his own physical ailment in September. Benintendi and Trivino are currently important contributors for the Yankees.
In order to get talent, the Yankees had to give up talent, too. They surrendered very good prospects such as Ken Waldichuk, Hayden Wesneski, Luis Medina, Cooper Bowman, JP Sears, and others, plus two major leaguers: Jordan Montgomery and Joey Gallo.
Gallo and Monty have performed like stars away from the Yankees
With a .159/.282/.339 line and a 83 wRC+ with the Yankees, the writing was on the wall for Gallo. The Monty trade, however, was very surprising, and a little odd considering the perpetual need for quality pitching.
In any case, both of them are currently excelling for their new teams. Gallo is hitting .267/.371/.667 with three homers and a 185 wRC+ in 12 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who seemingly found the recipe for success for the talented slugger. Granted, he is still striking out at a 40 percent rate in LA, but Gallo’s issues with the Yanks appeared to be mental.
Montgomery, on the other hand, is performing at an ace level for the St. Louis Cardinals. He threw a complete game shutout on Monday, and has an incredible 0.35 ERA in 25.2 frames. He has looked untouchable at times.
Both former Yankees seem to be doing fine away from the Bronx. Each case should be analyzed separately, but most fans wish them well at their new homes.