St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Giovanni Gallegos (65) pitches in the outfield before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Credit: Charles LeClair – USA Today Sports
The Los Angeles Dodgers are believed to be considering a wide range of options ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline, with the starting rotation and position players said to be one of the focuses.
But what was once a secondary need may have become a more pressing issue for the Dodgers amid their bullpen’s recent struggles, especially with Evan Phillips’ decline removing him from the Dodgers’ closer role for the time being.
LA is reportedly interested in Oakland Athletics All-Star Mason Miller, but he is unlikely to be traded. They are also one of the teams linked to Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott.
According to Jack Harris of the LA Times, the Dodgers are also interested in Giovanni Gallegos as a potential bullpen addition.
Another name to watch on the pitching staff is veteran relief pitcher Giovanni Gallegos, who the Dodgers have expressed interest in after being designated for assignment this week, according to a person with knowledge of the matter but not authorized to speak publicly.
The St. Louis Cardinals selected Gallegos for selection following the team’s recall of forward Kyle Leahy from Triple-A Memphis.
Gallegos was once a staple in the Cardinals’ relief corps, but struggled last year and that continued into this season. In 21 games with St. Louis in 2024, the right-hander went 2-1 with one save, a 6.53 ERA, 6.34 FIP and 1.65 WHIP.
The Mexican pitcher appeared in 56 games last season and posted a 4.42 ERA.
Gallegos struggled this year with the Cardinals, giving up six home runs in just 20.2 innings pitched while posting a career-worst strikeout rate of 22.3% and walk rate of 10.6%.
The 32-year-old missed six weeks in May and June because of a right shoulder injury, but has performed somewhat better since his return, hitting .233/.283/.395 with a 2.31 ERA and 3.66 FIP in eight relief appearances.
Would the Dodgers trade or sign Giovanni Gallegos?
It’s possible the Dodgers could acquire Gallegos in a trade with the Cardinals, but a more likely option is to wait for the veteran to presumably clear waivers, especially with a three-team trade between the Dodgers, Cardinals and Chicago White Sox being reached.
The Cardinals will likely waive Gallegos, which would make him a free agent and eligible to sign with any team.
The Cardinals signed Gallegos to a two-year, $10 million contract extension in October 2022. The deal includes a team option worth $6.5 million for 2025. If the option is declined, Gallegos will be paid a $500,000 buyout.
If the Dodgers or another team were to claim Gallegos off waivers, the team would be responsible for the remainder of his 2024 salary (estimated at $1.8 million) plus any team options or buyouts due next year.
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