MLB: Blockbuster baseball trades bolster the Yankees’ offensive firepower

Jul 30, 2021 4:51 AM EDT

MLB: Blockbuster baseball trades bolster the Yankees’ offensive firepower

Big league hitters Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo take their talents to the Big Apple as the Yankees make deals to add some more power to their arsenal.

By Hassan Green

New York City, New York - The New York Yankees were looking to add some firepower to their roster as they agreed to trades with both the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

Former Rangers center fielder Joey Gallo is now a NY Yankee as part of a major trade with Texas on Thursday © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Joey Gallo (27), one of Major League Baseball’s best sluggers this season, will soon don the legendary Yankee pinstripes as he’s been traded to New York from Texas in one of this season’s biggest transactions so far.

The deal was made official on Thursday after a successful team physical was administered the day before.

The two-time All-Star outfielder had played his entire career with the Rangers, racking up 145 home runs and 317 RBIs, also earning a gold glove in 2020 for his stellar defensive play.

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He brings with him 25 home runs, along with 55 RBIs, part of his .223 batting average this season. His big-time hitting prowess earned him a spot at this past July’s Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in Denver.

In return for Gallo, Texas gets right-handed pitcher Glenn Otto, infielders Ezequiel Duran and Josh Smith, and position player Trevor Hauver.

To complete the deal, the Rangers also sent along to NY pitcher Joely Rodríguez.

The Bronx Bombers also add even more firepower thanks to the Cubs

Former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo will join Gallo in New York after a separate trade with the Yankees on Thursday. © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

The Yankees made another deadline deal by reaching out to the Chicago Cubs for one of their best players in Anthony Rizzo.

One of the last remaining stars from the Cubs’ World Series championship in 2016, Rizzo will also add some more left-handed offense to a team that needs to improve if they’re seriously expecting to play in this fall’s postseason.

Rizzo has been in Chicago since 2012, appearing in three All-Star games. He was an integral part of the Cubs breaking their 108-year championship drought. So far this season, he’s hit 14 homers, with 40 RBIs, batting a .248 average.

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The Yankees handed over right-handed pitcher Alexander Vizcaino and outfielder Kevin Alcantara from their minor league system, along with agreeing to the remaining salary from Rizzo’s contract in Chicago, to seal the deal.

Cover photo: IMAGO / UPI Photo