Is Joey Gallo a viable target for the Oakland A’s?
By David Hill
Until the trade deadline passes on Friday, there will be plenty of rumors, some far more credible than others. There will be plenty of speculation as to what the A’s should do, and which players they should target. MLB.com has joined in that speculation, saying that the A’s should make a move to acquire Joey Gallo from the Rangers.
The A’s and Rangers are no strangers when it comes to trading. They have made a pair of deals over the past year, resulting in Mike Minor and Elvis Andrus heading to Oakland. However, a blockbuster trade, as would be the case with Gallo, would be abnormal for division rivals.
Joey Gallo not a viable target for Oakland A’s
In theory, Gallo would be a perfect fit for the Oakland A’s. He would be another power hitting bat to pair with Matt Olson, giving the A’s a powerful duo in the middle of their lineup. He could also improve the rest of the lineup, as Matt Chapman would not have the same amount of pressure on him to perform.
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Gallo would also add balance to the lineup as a left handed slugger. The A’s have a very right handed lineup, and Gallo would help change that. His production this season, a .222/.380/.484 batting line with 24 homers and a major league leading 74 walks in his 384 plate appearances, would certainly help the lineup.
The problem with acquiring Gallo is two fold. First, the A’s do not have the type of prospects that other teams interested in the Rangers outfielder would be able to offer. Second, the Rangers are looking to extend Gallo themselves, considering him a key part of their future. The Rangers would need to be blown away in order to trade Gallo.
Clearly, Gallo would be a perfect fit for the A’s. He would be exactly the type of power bat they need, with his ability to get on base vitally important for a team that has struggled in that capacity. But the Rangers also understand his importance to their roster, and are not willing to part ways with their outfielder just yet.
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Joey Gallo would be a great fit for the Oakland A’s at the trade deadline. The problem is that he is not a viable target in terms of the cost.