The Dodgers can Thank Kenta Maeda for The Trade of Joey Gallo

Monday August 8, 2022

The most significant move made by the Dodgers during the trade deadline 2022 was the acquisition of outfielder Joey Gallo. With the Dodgers already possessing 2 left-handed hitters, this trade have made no sense for most of the fans.

However, this is a gamble for the Dodgers. Gallo, who has the potential to develop into a valuable middle order presence while also he can playing excellent defense. LA is hoping that Gallo, Cody Bellinger, or Max Muncy one of these three can turn it around and be the team’s power bat.

The flier is even more appealing given that the Dodgers did not receive much in return. Pitching prospect Clayton Beeter is headed to the New York Yankees. Despite being ranked among the Dodgers’ top 30, Beeter was a team asset. He has struggled in the minors and only has 2 pitches, limiting him to being a reliever in the majors.

Beeter was also a non-core selection for the Dodgers in 2020. Los Angeles chose him with a competitive balance B pick obtained by trading a right-handed pitcher.

Dodgers trade After the trade for Joey Gallo, Kenta Maeda looks even better.

We’ll give Kenta Maeda credit for a strong 2020 season for the Minnesota Twins. In his first season in Minnesota, he had a career-best 2.70 ERA but only made 11 starts due to the shortened season.

Then Maeda returned, pitching in 21 games for the Twins with a 4.66 ERA. He has not pitch for the Twins in 2022. With the Dodgers’ current pitching depth, Maeda is not someone who the team has necessarily missed.

In exchange for Maeda, the Dodgers received Brusdar Graterol, a key member of the bullpen the last 3 seasons. Gallo is essentially the other player LA got in exchange, and his impact in 2022 could be significant.

The Boys in Blue won’t miss Beeter if Gallo doesn’t work out. However, if he can re-create his Texas Rangers persona, this will appear to be another brilliant move by Andrew Friedman.

What do you think, leave a comment below?