Texas Rangers: 2 teams that can offer the most for Joey Gallo in a trade

It’s the middle of June and the connection between potential trades and the Texas Rangers are in full force — it was only inevitable, especially when the link involves outfielder Joey Gallo.

The slugger is not only the Rangers’ longest tenured current player, but also the one with the highest perceived trade value.

Gallo’s tenure with the club could be even longer in theory. The 27-year old is under the team’s control until 2023. Despite that, his immediate fate with the Rangers is bound to be dictated on where Texas’ brass determines the team stands in its rebuild.

And for the 2012 first-round pick, speculation surrounding a trade out of Arlington is nothing new.

“Last year, I got a pretty good taste of what it’s like,” Gallo told reporters via Zoom on May 30. “I understand it’s a business.”

After a 18-18 start to the 2021 campaign, the Rangers have since seen their record fall to 16 games below .500. The competitive American League West division has seemingly excluded Texas from any conversations that involve contending.

After opting to keep Gallo on the roster at last year’s trade deadline, 2021 acts as take two for Jon Daniels and Chris Young.

In the spirit of trade season, let’s map out some potential Gallo deals.

Texas Rangers trade partner: New York Yankees

The Yankees have also been linked to Gallo frequently this season.

The right-handed heavy lineup in the Bronx is in need of a boost, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman may be one of the executives at the other end of a phone call with the Rangers’ brass.

Yankee Stadium has served left-handed power hitters well in its history, but New York’s potential desire to acquire Gallo may also align with the team’s needs defensively.

The Yankees’ lack of confidence in outfielder Giancarlo Stanton playing the field, along with the long-term injury to centerfielder Aaron Hicks puts the team in a position to seriously give Gallo a look.

The team is stuck in a rut as well, with a long way to go if they’d like to climb back into the AL East and Wild Card playoff pictures.

Potential trade targets from Yankees:

Estevan Florial (OF)

According to talent evaluators, Florial is currently dealing with a lot of the same issues that plagued Gallo early in his career — pull-happy with a high-strikeout rate. However, the 23-year old’s power-speed combination is worth inquiring about from Texas’ perspective, based on upside at the plate alone.

Oswald Peraza (SS)

Peraza is the Yankees’ fourth-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com. With plus defense at shortstop, and potential to be speed-threat at the big-league level, the Rangers are bound to inquire about Peraza if Cashman and Yankees come calling about Gallo.