Yankees pull stunner and trade Joey Gallo to Dodgers for pitching prospect

Joey Gallo, as expected is no longer a New York Yankee. Though the vitriol in the slugger’s direction that came from the fan base has quickly pivoted to empathy over the last couple months, it’s safe to say everyone’s relieved with this outcome.

According to reports, Gallo is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers in what many view as a stunner considering the veteran’s struggles were believed to have been a result of being in a bigger spotlight. Even more surprising is the reported return he fetched from LA: No. 15 pitching prospect Clayton Beeter.

But the bigger news here is the black hole being removed from New York’s lineup. Gallo’s last calendar year of baseball has been among the worst in the sport (no exaggeration) and now the Yankees will move on with Andrew Benintendi taking his spot.

As for the Dodgers, the move is puzzling. They’ve had enough struggles from left-handed hitters Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy, and now presumably add another whose strongest position is right field, which is occupied by Mookie Betts.

Then again, they did sign Andrew Heaney this past offseason and turned him into a capable starter, so perhaps the Dodgers and Andrew Friedman can do anything.

The Yankees are reportedly trading Joey Gallo to the Dodgers

On the heels of Gallo’s depressing interview with The Athletic, he’s now found a new home, but on the NL version of the Yankees. He’ll be surrounded by world class hitters again, but fans will believe a change when they see it. His .159/.291/.368 slash line over his last 140 games has left countless fans befuddled.

As for the return, we’re not sure what more anyone could’ve asked for. The Yankees are ridding themselves of about ~$4 million in Gallo’s remaining salary and will receive Beeter, a prospect pitcher who’s hit a wall in Double-A. The former 2020 second-round pick will hopefully get back on track in New York’s system, which has recently put a gigantic emphasis on pitching the last few years.

Beeter’s gotten knocked around in 2022, going 0-3 with a 5.75 ERA and 1.61 WHIP across 18 games (16 starts), totaling 51.2 innings. He’s walked 35 batters and allowed 10 home runs. A year ago between High-A and Double-A, the right-hander allowed just five homers and 20 walks in 52.1 innings

The former Texas Tech star’s arsenal consists of a fastball, curveball and changeup, but has struggled a bit with control. His third offering (changeup) isn’t used as frequently as one might like for a starting pitcher.

But Beeter’s development is a discussion for another time. Gallo’s departure helps the Bombers free up a roster spot for the incoming trio of Frankie Montas, Scott Effross and Lou Trivino … and we still have three-plus hours remaining.

Joey Gallo’s depressing Yankees quotes will make you feel awful about end of tenure

New York Yankees slugger Joey Gallo is about to leave the Bombers, and revealed his failures here will haunt him for a long time.