The tip could also be close to for veteran outfielder/first baseman Joey Gallo. No less than as an MLB-caliber hitter.
Gallo, 31, was launched Sunday by the lowly Chicago White Sox after simply 20 spring coaching at-bats during which he notched a complete of two hits, good for a .100 batting common and a meager .243 OPS.
It has been a bumpy highway again to relevance for the two-time All-Star, who was as soon as among the many most feared energy hitters within the recreation. Although by no means a well-rounded offensive participant by any means, Gallo has been the embodiment of “three true outcomes,” which is outlined as a stroll, strikeout or residence run.
The 31-year-old started his profession with the Texas Rangers, for who he cranked 145 residence runs over roughly 4 full seasons (seven years whole), together with 2020. Gallo’s two All-Star choices got here with Texas, in addition to his two Gold Gloves for excellent protection within the outfield.
Gallo was then dealt to the New York Yankees in the summertime of 2021, a commerce that was largely a catastrophe for New York, whereas two of the prospects Texas acquired (infielders Ezequiel Duran and Josh Smith) helped contribute to the Rangers’ first World Sequence title in 2023.
Sadly for Gallo, he by no means discovered his outdated kind after leaving the Rangers. He struggled mightily in his lone Bronx season, then continued to flounder after a commerce to the Los Angeles Dodgers in summer season 2022. Gallo spent the final two years with the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals, respectively.
Now, the 31-year-old faces a profession crossroads because it would not get a lot worse than being minimize by a traditionally dangerous group. Nevertheless, Gallo introduced shortly after his launch that he would attempt to resurrect his career as a pitcher.
Maybe there’s some fuel left within the tank for Gallo on this new journey. But it surely seems his slugging days are behind him.
