Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees did not disappoint at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline, making numerous moves that will help the Bronx Bombers make a playoff push as we inch further into the second half.
Bringing in two power bats in Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo are surely the highlights, but the acquisition of Andrew Heaney could also prove to be valuable, giving the Yankees another southpaw that's capable of making starts.
Here is a look at the trades that New York pulled off and the grades for each one.
Yankees acquire OF Joey Gallo and LHP Joely Rodriguez from the Rangers in exchange for 4 prospects
Grade: B
Okay, the Yankees gave up a LOT for Gallo. Thankfully, none of the prospects they parted ways with are top guys with legitimate major league potential. However, acquiring Gallo is a bit of a gamble. While he is one of the most feared power hitters in the game, his ability to hit for average is concerning. The former first-rounder is slashing .223 this season and has struck out 125 times in 95 games. That's not a huge plus to a Yankees team who already strike out a lot, given the sluggers they have scattered throughout their lineup.
However, Gallo has clubbed 25 homers this season while racking up 75 walks already, which is just one BB off his career-high. Keep in mind, there's still a lot of games left. He has tremendous discipline at the dish and while the K numbers are slightly high, Gallo does get on base quite frequently. He's also a left-handed bat, which means he could very well thrive with a short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. Out of his 145 career bombs, 75 have gone to right field. This may be a match made in heaven.
Defensively, Gallo is a Gold Glover who has 14 defensive runs saved in 2021, which is the highest number for any player in the bigs. With Aaron Judge patrolling right field, Gallo's strong arm and range will probably see him move to center.
Also, adding Gallo to the Yankees fold is going to give this team a legitimate three-headed monster in the heart of their lineup alongside Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Aaron Boone's squad barely has any left handed-bats in their lineup as well, so this is definitely a plus. With Gallo hitting free agency in 2022, that means the Yankees could have him around next season as well.
Given Gallo's inconsistencies, This is just a B. There's a ton of ability there, it's just a matter of him putting it all together. Can he do it in the Bronx under immense pressure from the Yankees faithful? That, we'll have to see.
Yankees acquire 1B Anthony Rizzo from Cubs in exchange for prospects Alex Vizcaino and Kevin Alcantara
Grade: A-
The Yankees gave up two decent prospects in this deal, with Alcantara and Vizcaino instantly moving into the top-10 in the Cubs' system. However, Rizzo's experience along with his ability at the plate and in the field is a fantastic addition for New York.
Rizzo has seen his numbers plummet through the last two seasons, currently hitting just .248 with 14 home runs and 40 RBI's. But, again this gives the Yankees an established offensive player who swings it from the left side. For a team that strikes out a lot, Rizzo will be a breath of fresh air. He hasn't struck out more than 16% of his at-bats since the 2016 season and continues to be one of the best contact hitters in the big leagues.
With Rizzo a free agent after this season, this is likely just a rental for the Yankees. While he's capable of hitting for power and average, the 31-year-old is also a tremendous defender. Luke Voit has had his injury problems which have limited his time at first base, while using DJ LaMahieu at the cold corner is kind of a waste. Best part? The Cubs picked up the rest of Rizzo's salary for 2021, which means the Yankees are essentially paying nothing for him. All they had to do is send some cash and a couple of minor leaguers the other way.
Again, the Yanks need left-handed bats. Gallo may have more upside than Rizzo, but he can hit for power consistently and has a playoff pedigree. A change of scenery and a short fence in the Bronx could do wonders for him ahead of free agency this winter. Rizzo has dealt with some back problems this season, which could potentially hinder his production and playing time with the Yankees. Otherwise, this would've been an A grade.
Yankees acquire LHP Andrew Heaney from Angels in exchange for RHP's Janson Junk and Elvis Peguero
Grade: B
Heaney is a former first-rounder and was once a top prospect. But, his numbers this season haven't been pretty. The lefty has a 5.27 ERA in 18 starts while going 6-7. However, his strikeout rate (27%) and walk rate (7.7%) are a huge plus. Heaney also gets a respectable amount of swings and misses thanks to his wide array of offerings.
Just like Rizzo, he will be a rental because Heaney is wrapping up his final arbitration year. In his career, the 30-year-old has a 4.57 ERA and possesses decent command. This gives the Yankees some more depth at the back-end of their rotation and a much-needed left-hander on the staff aside from starter Jordan Montgomery.
The prospects the Yankees gave up in return are both guys who have pitched well in double-A, but they weren't ranked in the New York farm system. However, the two arms could prove to be future pieces for the Angels.
All in all, this is a B for the Yankees. Another proven starter to add to an already strong pitching staff that won't cost the club much money.
Trade Deadline grade for the Yankees: B+
The Yankees addressed their biggest need at the deadline: left-handed hitting. Gallo has huge potential and could be a terrific addition from a power standpoint, while Rizzo brings a lot of the same along with playoff experience. Heaney, as mentioned above, gives the Yankees another proven starter.
New York is struggling immensely from an offensive standpoint, which is very unlike them. They needed to make some moves and Brian Cashman did not fail. The number of prospects the Yankees gave up may seem like a lot, but these pieces the club received are going to be key in the Bronx Bombers chasing down a Wild Card spot and maybe, even the Boston Red Sox, who sit 8.5 games ahead of them in the American League East.
The Yankees did very well here.
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