The end may be near for veteran outfielder/first baseman Joey Gallo. At least as an MLB-caliber hitter.
Gallo, 31, was released Sunday by the lowly Chicago White Sox after just 20 spring training at-bats in which he notched a total of two hits, good for a .100 batting average and a meager .243 OPS.
It’s been a bumpy road back to relevance for the two-time All-Star, who was once among the most feared power hitters in the game. Though never a well-rounded offensive player by any means, Gallo has been the embodiment of “three true outcomes,” which is defined as a walk, strikeout or home run.
The 31-year-old began his career with the Texas Rangers, for who he cranked 145 home runs over roughly four full seasons (seven years total), including 2020. Gallo’s two All-Star selections came with Texas, as well as his two Gold Gloves for outstanding defense in the outfield.
Gallo was then dealt to the New York Yankees in the summer of 2021, a trade that was largely a disaster for New York, while two of the prospects Texas acquired (infielders Ezequiel Duran and Josh Smith) helped contribute to the Rangers’ first World Series title in 2023.
Unfortunately for Gallo, he never found his old form after leaving the Rangers. He struggled mightily in his lone Bronx season, then continued to flounder after a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers in summer 2022. Gallo spent the last two years with the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals, respectively.
Now, the 31-year-old faces a career crossroads since it doesn’t get much worse than being cut by a historically bad team. However, Gallo announced shortly after his release that he would attempt to resurrect his career as a pitcher.
Perhaps there’s some gas left in the tank for Gallo on this new journey. But it appears his slugging days are behind him.
