Texas Rangers Rumors: Is Joey Gallo really available?

Coming off a less than ideal four game sweep at the hands of the hated Houston Astros that plummeted the Texas Rangers back into the AL West basement, it’s no surprise that the rumor mill is churning once again.

It was an ugly weekend for the Rangers, who despite managing to keep some of the game tallies close, didn’t necessarily play at the competitive level the scoreboards suggested (the exception being Friday’s 10-4 Astros blowout, which was just a microcosm of how bad the team was in Houston).

The four-game series only re-affirmed what we’ve already known: the Texas Rangers rebuild is (and should continue to be) in full force.

And according to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman, it appears as though the bidding has already started to acquire the services of one power-hitting, Gold Glove outfielder…

Joey Gallo could be a popular trade target this summer, and the Texas Rangers should take advantage of his market.

Jon, have you seen the Texas Rangers’ play of late?

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Nothing is off the table when it comes to the big league roster, and nor should anything be, especially when the team actually has some tradeable assets including starter Kyle Gibson,  reliever Joely Rodriguez and closer Ian Kennedy in addition to Joey Gallo.

Let’s not forget that the Rangers even managed to turn a disgruntled Rougned Odor into two mid-level prospects in a trade with the Yankees just prior to the season. That’s just another reason to believe Gallo has to be on the block this summer.

Speaking of the Yankees, they’ve been speculated as a great fit for Gallo. Not to mention, they’ve maintained a great business relationship with Texas.

Gallo’s Gold Glove-caliber defense has been remarkable to watch in the field this season, while his bat has taken a little longer to heat up, notably with less power than usual (seven home runs in 139 at-bats). The 27-year-old also had a 24-game on-base streak earlier in the season, a testament to his improved plate discipline.

Gallo’s .223 batting average and .753 OPS thus far are also relatively within his career norms, which is a good sign when you consider he’s coming off a down 2020.

The Texas Rangers will be sure to have competition on the OF market this summer, with other pieces including the Orioles’ Cedric Mullins and the Reds’ Jesse Winker perhaps looking more attractive to teams due to their ability to make contact.

Make no mistake, however, Gallo’s defense and power bat should make him a prime candidate for a trade should the Rangers (rightfully) make him available.