Joey Gallo, the 31-year-old outfielder known for his powerful hitting, announced on March 16, 2025 (Japan time), via his social media account X (formerly Twitter), his intention to convert from being a position player to becoming a pitcher. This surprising decision came shortly after he was released by the Chicago White Sox, where he had been participating as part of a minor league contract.
"Outfield was fun. Just to be clear, I'm going to be a pitcher," Gallo stated, accompanying his announcement with highlights from his defensive plays. This bold career shift has already drawn the attention of fans and sports analysts alike.
Gallo, who made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers back in 2015, spent ten seasons across the major leagues. He hit 208 home runs, showcasing his nickname as a slugger, particularly with impressive seasons where he logged 41 home runs in 2017 and 40 the following year. He was selected as an All-Star player twice and was recognized with Gold Glove Awards for his outstanding defensive skills.
Despite his success, Gallo’s recent performance has raised questions about his future as a hitter. Last season with the Washington Nationals, he played 76 games but struggled with a batting average of just .161, accumulating ten home runs and 27 RBIs. His struggles carried over to the current spring training season with the White Sox, where his output was disappointing: merely two hits out of 20 at-bats, 11 strikeouts, and no extra-base hits, which contributed to his request to leave the team.
Assistant GM Josh Barfield acknowledged Gallo's frustrations, stating, "If it's difficult to enter the roster as a fielder, we have conveyed through his agent…he is exploring the path as a pitcher." Gallo's situation echoes the narrative of dedication and ambition, making him wish to redefine his baseball career.
Interestingly, Gallo's background as a two-way player during his time at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas adds intrigue to his transition. He was known not only for his powerful hitting but for his skills on the mound, achieving notable feats, including throwing no-hitters. His strong pitching foundation may serve him well even after over ten years since he's thrown competitively.
Media responses have ranged from supportive to skeptical. Some outlets, like Forbes, have pointed out the challenges faced by Gallo, noting, "His arm strength numbers are decreasing. The mechanics used for throwing from the outfield are significantly different from pitching on the mound… for Gallo, who hasn’t pitched since high school, this transition won’t be easy." Publications like The Tribune emphasized the lessons learned from other players who attempted similar transitions, arguing it won't be a straightforward path for Gallo.
There are also comparisons to players like Rick Ankiel, who famously transitioned from pitcher to outfielder, and Tyler Naquin, who made headlines for shifting back to pitching after time spent as outfielder. Such accounts show the mixed fate of players who hoped to revive their careers through change.
Currently, reports indicate no major league teams have expressed interest in Gallo as he pursues this new opportunity. Nevertheless, his strong pitching ability, recorded at high levels during fielding (notably, Gallo recorded throwing speeds reaching up to 99.3 miles per hour), provides hope for possible success.
Gallo's ambition shouldn’t be underestimated; his passion for the game and willingness to adapt could yield surprising results. Transitioning to pitching is undoubtedly risky, especially at 31, but it could also represent revitalization for Gallo's career—a fresh chapter for one of baseball’s former power hitters, now aiming for redemption on the mound.