Report: Joey Gallo 'Likely To Be Traded'

The Blue Jays have identified left-handed bats as a need, and Joey Gallo could be a fit

Mitch Bannon | Jul 12, 2021

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Gallo may be taking his power stroke to a new team.

Minutes before the 2021 Home Run Derby, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported the Texas Rangers slugger is likely to be on the move before this year's MLB trade deadline.

"Joey Gallo is very likely going to get traded," Passan said.

Jeff Passan just said Joey Gallo is “very likely” to get traded.
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) July 12, 2021

Though most deadline discussion for Toronto has surrounded relief pitching, the club has been connected to Gallo and GM Ross Atkins would certainly check on the Texas slugger before he's moved. The Blue Jays have publicly identified getting "more left handed," as a club need ahead of the 2021 trade deadline, and Gallo would certainly appeal.

The Blue Jays have the second-highest team OPS (.776) and sixth-most runs scored (444) in baseball, but have received the fifth-lowest OPS from left-handed hitters. No left-handed Blue Jays hitters have over six home runs and only Reese McGuire has an OPS over .700.

Though bullpen help and general run prevention will likely be higher priority in the coming weeks, connections between Gallo and the Blue Jays remain. Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith cited Gallo as a potential addition to Toronto's already-productive lineup in June, and the Frank Zicarelli linked the club and slugger earlier today.

The Jays have also been linked to Chicago Cubs third basemen Kris Bryant and Minnesota Twins DH Nelson Cruz. If Ross Atkins chooses to double down on an already potent offense, there will be some big bats to choose from.

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