New York Yankees Strike Deal For Texas Rangers All-Star Joey Gallo

With the MLB trade deadline looming, the New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers for outfielder Joey Gallo and pitcher John King.

The Yankees will be sending SS Josh Smith, 2B Ezequiel Duran, 2B/OF Trevor Hauver, OF Everson Pereira, RHP Glen Otto and RHP Randy Vasquez in exchange for both Rangers.

Jeff Passan announced the trade news on Twitter: "The New York Yankees are finalizing a deal to acquire outfielder Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers, sources tell ESPN. The deal is pending medical review."

https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1420534906430578689?s=20

Rumor had it that New York was on the hunt for left-handed hitters, with names like Minnesota's Max Kepler floating into the mix. Instead, GM Brian Cashman hit a home run by landing Gallo, a 2021 All-Star — though fans may be irked by the lineup's inability to put the ball in play instead of aiming for the parking lot.

Gallo is currently hitting .223/.379/.490 for the season with 25 home runs and 55 RBIs. His strikeout rate floats in the 30s, which will look familiar on a team chock-full of sluggers, such as D.J. LeMahieu, Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge.

Gallo will likely be slated to take on center field, though Aaron Judge's questionable scratch prior to Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays temporarily raised concern among fans. Judge later returned to pinch hit for Estevan Florial in the fifth inning.

Joey Gallo's contract keeps him in New York through the 2022 season, giving the ball club some time to assess their new All-Star.