In search of some production off their bench during the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers took a flier on Joey Gallo by acquiring him from the New York Yankees in exchange for pitching prospect Clayton Beeter at the trade deadline.
Gallo was in the midst of a disastrous season with the Yankees and emerged as a candidate to get designated for assignment. The Dodgers believed in the talent he showed during the 2021 season, which made Gallo highly sought after at the deadline that year.
There were some bright moments while with the Dodgers but Gallo otherwise failed to find much success or consistency.
He went into free agency with a seemingly limited market that reportedly did not include the Dodgers. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Gallo is signing a one-year, $11 million contract with the Minnesota Twins:
Gallo to Twins. $11M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 16, 2022
Overall this past season, Gallo hit a combined .160/.280/.357 with eight doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 47 RBI, .286 wOBA and 85 wRC+ with the Yankees and Dodgers.
That largely matched his production with the Dodgers, as Gallo produced a .162/.277/.393 batting line to go along with four doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 23 RBI over 44 games after the midseason trade.
Despite the lack of production, Gallo was named to the Dodgers’ postseason roster, which showed some of the organization’s faith in his ability. “Joey’s a threat. Every time he gets in there he can hit a homer. He prepares, he works hard, he cares,” manager Dave Roberts said about the decision to carry Gallo on the playoff roster.
Gallo did not appear in any of the four National League Division Series games before the Dodgers were eliminated.
Why didn’t Dodgers re-sign Joey Gallo?
Since losing Cody Bellinger to the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers have made it clear one focus is on finding an outfielder. However, their preference is to add a center fielder.
Gallo has two career All-Star Game appearances and also won two Gold Glove Awards, but he doesn’t fit the profile the Dodgers are looking for.
Scott Boras, who additionally represents Bellinger, believes Gallo is primed for a bounce-back season with a starting role.
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