Joey Gallo Announces New Journey: From Hitter to Pitcher After Being Cut by the White Sox

In a stunning turn of events, Joey Gallo, a two-time All-Star slugger, has announced his decision to transition from a power-hitting outfielder to a pitcher after being released by the Chicago White Sox. Known for his prodigious power at the plate and exceptional defensive skills in the outfield, Gallo’s move to the mound marks a dramatic shift in his MLB career.

After years of struggling with high strikeout rates and inconsistency at the plate, Gallo is determined to reinvent himself in a way that few position players have successfully done. Could this career change be the key to extending his time in Major League Baseball?

Why Did Joey Gallo Make the Switch?

1. Struggles at the Plate Led to Limited Opportunities

Despite his reputation as a home run hitter, Gallo’s offensive struggles in recent years have been well-documented. His high strikeout rate, difficulty making contact, and declining batting average made it difficult for him to secure a regular spot in the lineup.

While he remained a Gold Glove-caliber defender, his lack of offensive production forced the White Sox to cut ties with him. Instead of seeking another minor league deal as a hitter, Gallo shocked the baseball world by announcing his desire to become a pitcher.

2. A Natural Arm Talent Waiting to Be Unleashed

What many fans may not realize is that Gallo has always had a cannon for an arm. Throughout his career, he has showcased elite arm strength while playing right field and third base. Scouts have long noted that Gallo’s throwing ability rivals that of some of the best pitchers in the league. Now, he is looking to convert that raw talent into effective pitching mechanics.

With a fastball reportedly touching the mid-90s, Gallo believes he has what it takes to develop into a legitimate relief pitcher or even a back-end starter.

How Will Gallo’s Transition Work?

1. Training with Pitching Specialists

To make a successful switch, Gallo has enlisted the help of some of the best pitching coaches and trainers in the business. He is currently working on refining his mechanics, improving his command, and learning secondary pitches such as a slider and changeup.

Unlike a typical pitching prospect, Gallo already possesses an MLB-ready arm, but the challenge will be adapting to the demands of pitching full-time.

2. Finding a New Team Will Be Crucial

Now that he has committed to pitching, Gallo must find a team willing to take a chance on him. While position players switching to pitching is rare, it is not unprecedented.

Teams looking for low-risk, high-reward bullpen arms may be intrigued by Gallo’s potential. His athleticism, experience in high-pressure situations, and elite arm strength could make him an interesting experiment for a Major League organization.

3. Potential Roles: Reliever or Starter?

The question remains: will Gallo work as a starter or reliever? Given his late transition to pitching, it is more likely that he will develop as a reliever, where his velocity and aggressive approach could translate well to short bursts on the mound. However, if he develops a solid arsenal of secondary pitches, he could potentially work his way into a starting rotation.

Historical Precedents: Position Players Who Became Pitchers

1. Rick Ankiel: From Pitcher to Hitter, Then Back Again

One of the most famous examples of a position change is Rick Ankiel, who started as a promising pitcher before control issues forced him to switch to hitting. While he found some success as an outfielder, Ankiel briefly returned to pitching late in his career.

Gallo, however, is attempting the reverse transition—moving from hitter to pitcher without any previous professional pitching experience.

2. Kenley Jansen and Sean Doolittle: Success Stories

Kenley Jansen, one of the best closers in modern baseball, started his career as a catcher before converting into an elite reliever. Similarly, Sean Doolittle was initially a first baseman before injuries led him to transition to pitching, where he became an All-Star closer.

Both of these cases prove that a position switch can work if the player is willing to fully commit to the development process.

What Does This Mean for Gallo’s Career?

1. A Second Chance in Major League Baseball

Had Gallo continued down the path of a struggling hitter, his MLB career might have been nearing its end. Now, with this new pitching experiment, he has the opportunity to extend his career and prove his value in a completely different way.

If successful, Gallo could secure a roster spot as a bullpen arm and potentially work his way back to becoming a valuable asset for a contending team.

2. A Tough Road Ahead

The transition from hitter to pitcher is an extremely difficult one. Gallo will face major obstacles, including learning how to sequence pitches, developing command, and adapting to the physical toll of pitching.

However, his work ethic and determination suggest he is fully committed to making this transition work.

3. What Teams Could Be Interested?

There are several teams that might take a low-risk gamble on Gallo as a pitching prospect:

• Tampa Bay Rays: Known for their innovative player development strategies, they could experiment with Gallo’s potential.

• Oakland Athletics: In a rebuilding phase, they might be willing to give him a chance.

• Los Angeles Dodgers: A team with strong pitching coaches who could help refine his mechanics.

Conclusion

Joey Gallo’s decision to transition from hitter to pitcher is one of the most fascinating storylines in baseball. While there are no guarantees of success, his elite arm strength, natural athleticism, and commitment give him a legitimate shot at reinventing himself.

As he embarks on this new journey, the baseball world will be watching closely to see if Gallo can follow in the footsteps of Kenley Jansen, Sean Doolittle, and other successful position player-to-pitcher transitions. If everything goes according to plan, we could soon see Joey Gallo stepping onto the mound as a dominant MLB pitcher.