7 Yankees facing uncertain futures heading into 2022

4. Joey Gallo

A lot of fans wanted Joey Gallo gone this offseason. While that’s still possible, we’d bet it probably won’t happen. He’s making around $10 million in 2022, which is a bargain for his power potential and defensive versatility, and he’ll be a free agent after the season. Pay the small price, let him go if he commands too much money or stinks up the joint. Seems easy.

Though the Yankees could re-sign Gallo given their past business with Scott Boras, it’s unlikely they’d get involved to pay top dollar for a guy who bats .200 and strikes out a ton (aka, the rest of the roster).

Additionally, Gallo is going to need a monstrous turnaround to get back in the good graces of fans. He hit an impossible .160 and just 13 homers with 22 RBI in 58 games with the Yankees after the trade deadline … all the while playing underwhelming outfield defense in left. He led the league in strikeouts (213) and walks (111), but this lineup needs to put the ball in play. We’ve seen far too many walks with runners in scoring position for it to result in nothing.

Gallo was an All-Star and a Gold Glover (in right field, HA!) in 2021, but all of that success came in Texas. Entering his age-28 season and final year of club control, this is a pivotal year for the former first-round pick. Never say never, but we really don’t see him coming back as a Yankee in 2023.