GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Joey Gallo is making headlines after announcing his intention to switch from the outfield to the pitching mound, shortly after being released by the Chicago White Sox on March 16, 2025. Once considered one of baseball’s most promising power hitters, Gallo took to social media to share his decision, shrugging off his disappointing batting numbers with the declaration: "Just to be clear, I will be pitching."
The 31-year-old slugger had been struggling during spring training, going just 2-for-20 with 11 strikeouts over nine games, prompting the White Sox to release him from his minor league contract. Gallo expressed interest through his agent to explore the possibility of switching to pitching if he did not find success with the big-league team. White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield noted, "He had expressed interest through his agent if it didn’t work out on the major league team, he was going to explore the pitching side."
Following his release, White Sox manager Will Venable remarked, "Wish him luck as he starts a new chapter as a pitcher." While Gallo has never pitched at the professional level, he has shown impressive arm strength throughout his career, consistently ranking within the top percentiles. Notably, he registered arm strength in MLB's 90th percentile as recently as 2022.
Gallo’s career path has been anything but straightforward. After breaking onto the scene with the Texas Rangers, where he first showcased his power by averaging over 38 home runs per season from 2017 to 2021, Gallo has since played for five different teams, including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and the Washington Nationals. Throughout this time, he won two Gold Gloves and earned two All-Star selections. But his performance declined sharply over the last few seasons, with Gallo batting below .200 each year since 2019. Last year with the Nationals, he hit just .161, with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs.
Prior to joining the White Sox, Gallo had fulfilled part-time roles as both outfielder and first baseman. The 2025 spring training season was particularly disappointing for him, leading to his release and decision to pivot. According to Barfield, Gallo’s aspirations to switch from hitting to pitching emerged relatively quickly as the organization began their rebuild, creating softer landings for players struggling to find their niche.
Interestingly, Gallo isn't the first former position player to attempt such a change. He joins the ranks of others like Brett Phillips and Tyler Naquin who, after their own challenges, have shifted focus to the mound. Phillips is also trying to make his way back as a pitcher after signing with the New York Yankees, and Naquin has recently signed with the Guardians for the same purpose. Both players were among those who recently learned from their experiences with the White Sox. Gallo's remarkable throwing ability presents opportunities for success on the pitcher's mound, and he is undeterred by the shift.
Speaking on the transition, Barfield noted, "Where we are right now, it’s tough to give him [Gallo] the opportunity, yet it isn’t entirely out of the ordinary." He added, "It’s not uncommon to see such shifts, and many have successfully turned their careers around by taking on new challenges." Former White Sox player Sergio Santos made history by transitioning from infielder to closer, affirming the potential for Gallo to find his footing.
Interestingly, some standout statistics could aid Gallo’s venture; even amid challenges, he ranked third among American League players from 2017 through 2021 with 151 home runs and also led MLB with 809 strikeouts. Despite this, his overall career batting average stands at just .194.
Gallo's feet may be wet as he embarks on this new road, yet optimism isn’t lost. With rich experience playing defense, including his time as one of baseball's best outfield arms, he could find new ways to shine on the mound. The announcement has fans curious about whether Gallo can carve out another successful chapter of his baseball career as he makes this unprecedented shift.
Although Gallo’s career has taken unexpected turns, he remains dedicated to keeping his presence within the sport. The baseball community is eager to see how this transition pans out and if Gallo can recreate his magic on the mound just as he had during some of his more successful years at bat.