Joey Gallo Shifts Gears: From Home Run Hitter to Pitching Prospect After White Sox Release
Joey Gallo, a name synonymous with prodigious power and, unfortunately, a high strikeout rate in Major League Baseball, has announced a stunning career pivot. Following his recent release from the Chicago White Sox, the two-time All-Star has declared his intention to pursue a career as a pitcher, a move that has sent ripples of surprise and speculation throughout the baseball world.
Gallo’s decision marks a significant departure from the path that defined him for nearly a decade. From 2017 to 2021, Gallo established himself as one of the game’s premier sluggers, launching towering home runs with regularity. His prodigious power placed him among the league leaders, ranking sixth overall during that period. He blasted 41 home runs in 2017 and followed up with 40 in 2018, solidifying his reputation as a feared presence in the batter’s box.
However, Gallo’s offensive prowess was always intertwined with a pronounced tendency to strike out. This vulnerability, coupled with a career batting average of just .194, ultimately became a defining characteristic of his game. While his ability to change the outcome of a game with one swing was undeniable, his inconsistencies at the plate gradually overshadowed his power potential.
Gallo’s journey to the major leagues began with the Texas Rangers, who drafted him in 2012. He made his debut in 2015 and became a regular member of the team in 2017. During his time in Texas, Gallo earned two Gold Glove awards for his defensive excellence in the outfield, showcasing his versatility as a player. He also received All-Star selections in 2019 and 2021, solidifying his status as a star player.
The Rangers traded Gallo to the New York Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline. It was a move that was expected to elevate the Yankees’ offense, but it turned out to be a turning point in Gallo’s career, and not in a positive direction. His production plummeted in New York, as he struggled to adapt to the pressures of playing in a large market. In 140 games with the Yankees, Gallo posted a disappointing .660 OPS, far below his previous career standards.
The Yankees ultimately decided to cut their losses and traded Gallo to the Los Angeles Dodgers the following summer. While he showed glimpses of his former self in Los Angeles, he was unable to recapture his All-Star form. He spent the 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins and then signed with the Washington Nationals for 2024, but he was never able to establish himself as a consistent contributor.
Prior to signing with the White Sox for spring training, Gallo hoped to revitalize his career. However, his struggles continued. In 21 Cactus League plate appearances, he went 2-for-20 with no home runs, one walk, and 11 strikeouts. The White Sox made the decision to release him, leaving Gallo without a team and at a crossroads in his career.
Gallo’s decision to transition to pitching is a bold move, but not entirely without precedent. He has always possessed a strong throwing arm, ranking in the 90th percentile among outfielders as recently as 2021. While he has no professional pitching experience, his arm strength and athleticism could make him a viable candidate to develop into a reliever.
There have been instances of position players successfully converting to pitching, though it is not a common occurrence. Brooks Kieschnick made the transition with some success, becoming a two-way player who pitched and played outfield. However, it is exceedingly rare for a player of Gallo’s stature, an All-Star caliber player, to make such a dramatic shift.
The challenges facing Gallo are significant. He will need to learn the nuances of pitching, including developing a repertoire of pitches, mastering his mechanics, and understanding how to approach hitters. He will also need to build his arm strength and stamina to withstand the demands of pitching in professional baseball.
Despite the obstacles, Gallo’s determination and athleticism could give him a chance to succeed. He has the raw physical tools to potentially develop into a major league pitcher. The most significant challenge will be his commitment to the process of relearning the game from a completely different perspective. He will be starting from scratch, and he will need to be patient and persistent in his efforts.
Whether Gallo’s transition to pitching will be successful remains to be seen. However, his decision is a testament to his willingness to reinvent himself and pursue a new path in baseball. It is a gamble, but it is one that could potentially lead to a second act in his career. If he can harness his athleticism and dedicate himself to the craft of pitching, he may yet surprise the baseball world again. For now, the baseball world waits and watches with bated breath to see if the power hitter can redefine himself on the pitcher’s mound. Only time will tell if Joey Gallo can silence his critics and prove that he can be successful in a completely different role, transforming himself from a power hitter with a high strikeout rate into a feared pitcher.
