(Editor’s note: This story was updated after the teams made the trade official on Thursday.)
TAMPA — The Yankees are still the Yankees. Facing a frustrating season with an underperforming offense, they went out and made a deal to acquire one of the top players — and the one that best fits their immediate needs — available before this year’s trade deadline.
The Yankees acquired left-handed power-hitting outfielder Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. The two teams worked on the deal on Wednesday night, and it was made official on Thursday.
It doesn’t take much imagination to picture Gallo slamming home runs to the second deck at Yankee Stadium. He’s an outfielder — he’s typically played in right field for Texas — and won a Gold Glove award in 2020.
After a 3-1 win over the Rays in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, the Yankees are 53-47 and trail Boston and Tampa Bay in the AL East. They are chasing Tampa Bay, Oakland and Seattle in the wild-card race.
The full trade package: Gallo and left-handed reliever Joely Rodríguez to New York and prospects Josh Smith (SS), Trevor Hauver (2B/OF), Ezequiel Duran (2B) and RHP Glen Otto go to Texas.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone declined to comment Wednesday before the deal was official. But on Thursday morning, Boone said he spoke with Gallo and welcomed him to the team.
