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Diam⚾️ndBuzz: APRIL 1, 2025

Joey Gallo’s Bold Bid for Reinvention

Joey Gallo’s baseball journey has taken an unexpected and dramatic turn — from a feared power hitter to a struggling slugger, and now, to an aspiring pitcher. His fall from grace at the plate has been steep, but instead of fading away, Gallo has chosen the road less traveled: a mid-career reinvention on the mound. This article explores the roots of his offensive struggles, his background as a pitcher, and the rare but fascinating history of position players making the leap to the mound in Major League Baseball.

The Rise and Rapid Decline of a Three-True-Outcome Hitter

Gallo burst onto the MLB scene with the Texas Rangers in 2015, earning a reputation as one of the league's premier power hitters. His swing, optimized for launch angle, was tailor-made for the era of "three true outcomes": home run, walk, or strikeout. During his prime seasons in 2017 and 2018, Gallo crushed 41 and 40 home runs, respectively — but with batting averages of just .209 and .206 and strikeout totals near 200 each year.

Despite his low average, Gallo’s immense power and walk rate made him a valuable asset. In 2021, after being traded midseason to the New York Yankees, he hit 38 home runs with a .199 average and an on-base percentage of .351. He led the majors in strikeouts (213) and the American League in walks, a microcosm of his volatile offensive profile.

But 2022 marked a turning point. His struggles intensified in New York, culminating in a dismal .159 batting average. The pressure of playing in a high-expectation market visibly affected him. “I went through a lot of adversity and really had to question myself,” Gallo admitted. “My confidence suffered. I would say I hit rock bottom for the big leagues.”

Joey Gallo's time with the New York Yankees was marked by intense scrutiny from fans and the media, a level of pressure he had not previously experienced. His struggles at the plate made him a frequent target for criticism, leading to feelings of discomfort even leaving his apartment in New York. This external pressure took a toll on his confidence and mental well-being, causing him to question his abilities and feel overwhelmed by expectations.

After being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gallo expressed relief at being in a less intense environment. The change of scenery helped him regain some confidence and allowed him to focus on his game without the same level of external pressure. Gallo's openness about his struggles highlights the challenges athletes face in high-pressure markets and contributes to broader conversations about mental health in sports.

Subsequent stints with the Dodgers, Twins, and Nationals failed to reverse the trend. In 2024 with Washington, Gallo batted .161 in 76 games — a performance that prompted the Nationals to decline his $8 million option for 2025.

Turning to the Mound: A Calculated Pivot

With his offensive production dwindling, Gallo signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox in early 2025, seeking a fresh start. However, a dismal spring training performance (2 hits in 20 at-bats, 11 strikeouts) led to his release on March 16.

Rather than calling it quits, Gallo made a surprise announcement: “Just to be clear, I will be pitching.”

While the decision raised eyebrows, it wasn’t entirely unprecedented. Gallo had pitched in high school, reportedly throwing a no-hitter, and his powerful arm earned him two Gold Gloves during his MLB career as an outfielder. Scouts long admired his throwing ability — even if his high school velocity data remains undocumented.

The Uphill Climb: What It Takes to Become a Pitcher

Transitioning from a position player to a pitcher is an immense undertaking. Gallo now faces a series of challenges:

Mastering Mechanics: Pitching requires precise, repeatable mechanics to generate velocity and avoid injury — especially for someone with no recent competitive pitching experience.

Developing a Repertoire: Gallo must learn how to command multiple pitches — likely a fastball, slider, and changeup — and consistently locate them against professional hitters.

Physical Conditioning: Pitching demands a different kind of strength and flexibility, with a focus on arm care, shoulder stability, and core strength.

Mental Adjustment: As a hitter, Gallo was part of the daily grind. As a pitcher, he’ll need to embrace longer recovery cycles and handle the psychological pressure of each outing.

Medical Risks: Pitching carries a high injury risk. Given Gallo’s age (31), his transition must be carefully managed to avoid setbacks.

Minor League Rebuild: If signed by a new club, he’ll likely start in the low minors, focusing on development and refinement over competition.

Rare Company: A Historical Glimpse at Similar Transitions

Gallo isn’t the first position player to make the leap to the mound — but he’ll be joining a very short list. Notable examples include:

Bob Lemon: Began as a third baseman and became a Hall of Fame pitcher with the Cleveland Indians.

Tim Wakefield: A converted first baseman who mastered the knuckleball and won 200 games for the Red Sox.

Sean Doolittle: Drafted as a hitter, became an All-Star closer for the A’s and Nationals.

Anthony Gose: Played 372 games as an outfielder before converting to a pitcher and returning to the majors.

Tyler Naquin: Another recent player exploring a similar path.

These examples prove it’s possible — but also underscore how rare and difficult the transition is.

2025 Projections and the Path Ahead

Statistical forecasts offer little hope for a late-career resurgence at the plate. ZiPS projections for Gallo’s 2025 season as a hitter estimate a .172 average with 18 home runs in 109 games — figures that likely influenced his decision to try pitching.

Could Gallo find success as a reliever? His strong arm, competitive drive, and willingness to reinvent himself suggest it’s not out of the question. But the road is long and filled with uncertainty. Injuries, command issues, or organizational disinterest could all derail the experiment.

Still, Gallo’s attempt is a compelling one — a gritty bet on athleticism, adaptability, and sheer love for the game.

Joey Gallo’s willingness to change course mid-career speaks volumes about his mindset. Rather than fading quietly, he’s opting for the improbable path — one that few position players have taken and even fewer have conquered.

Whether Gallo becomes the next Sean Doolittle or fades into obscurity remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the baseball world will be watching.

And rooting — if not for dominance, then for redemption.

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