Padres and Rangers talking Joey Gallo trade
Credit: AP Photo
Multiple reports indicate the San Diego Padres are in talks to acquire Texas Rangers’ outfielder Joey Gallo.
A.J. Preller came to the San Diego Padres from the Texas Rangers organization.
Joey Gallo is someone that Preller is quite familiar with. The Padres G.M. knows the value of the outfielder/infielder.
Gallo reportedly wants to remain with the Rangers, but Texas may opt to move the mammoth slugger and maximize his worth now. Gallo is a free agent at the end of the 2022 season. A team acquiring him at this point could enjoy one and a half seasons from the left-handed hitter.
His value is high, and there are several teams in the mix for his services.
The Padres farm system may be slightly depleted, but several players could be of huge interest to the Rangers. Texas is always searching for pitching, and the Padres have several mid-level prospects who fit the mold. The Rangers will require more than a few lottery tickets to obtain Gallo, but the Padres also have players with Major League service time who could be of value on another roster.
Mason Thompson, Jorge Mateo, Tucupita Marcano, Jorge Ona, and Reiss Knehr all make sense to some degree. The price tag will be set by the Rangers, and it likely will go up the closer we get to the July 30 deadline.
A.J. Preller is not shy. The Padres may need pitching currently, but the young G.M. will always pull the trigger on a deal that improves his club. Gallo may strike out a ton, but he brings prodigious power and also has a great eye at the plate. He will improve the OBP for the club. It may be complicated to find playing time for him, but championship teams have depth, and the Padres are building their team for nothing shorter than a World Title.
Report: Padres “might unload for” #Rangers OF Joey Gallohttps://t.co/vp5SdCpdvb
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) July 19, 2021
San Diego has been linked to Gallo as several reports have the two sides in early negotiations. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire when it comes to the Padres and their ability to acquire players.
The talks could heat up quickly as competitive teams begin to restructure their rosters for a postseason run. Expect the Padres to make a flurry of deals as the bench and bullpen also need fine-tuning. The Padres will also likely trade for a starting pitcher to eat innings. There are needs on the team.
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Starting pitching may be the team’s weakness currently, but that does not mean Preller will ignore upgrades to the offense. Gallo can play corner infield as well as both corner outfield spots. With the ability to play four positions, he could easily move around the field for the Padres daily. In the modern game of baseball, players need to be versatile, and Gallo is just that.
Stay tuned, Padres fans. Preller is on the prowl. Moves will be made in the next 10 days.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.