Joey Gallo released by White Sox, eyes switch to pitching in 2025.
Table of Contents
Joey Gallo Released by White Sox, Eyes Switch to Pitching Joey Gallo released
In a surprising and unexpected move, former MLB All-Star Joey Gallo has been released by the Chicago White Sox after a challenging stretch of play. What was even more surprising, however, was the statement he made shortly after the release: he’s considering a switch to pitching. The move marks the end of Gallo’s tenure as an outfielder and designated hitter for the White Sox, and it could signal the beginning of a new and unconventional chapter in his baseball career.
The story of Joey Gallo is one of immense potential, unfulfilled expectations, and the resilience of an athlete who has faced numerous highs and lows throughout his career. Known for his towering home runs and a strikeout rate that has often drawn criticism, Gallo has long been a player who divides opinion. Some see him as a modern slugger, a valuable power bat in the right lineup, while others view him as a flawed player unable to make consistent contact with the ball.
Gallo’s decision to shift gears and explore the possibility of becoming a pitcher might be one of the most fascinating plot twists in baseball history. But how did we get here? What led to Gallo’s release from the White Sox, and how plausible is a career switch for the 30-year-old former outfielder? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Joey Gallo’s baseball journey, the factors behind his release, his decision to switch to pitching, and what this means for both him and the broader MLB landscape.
The Rise of Joey Gallo: A Star in the Making Joey Gallo released Joey Gallo released
Joey Gallo’s story in professional baseball began with a bang. Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Gallo quickly became one of the most exciting prospects in the game. Known for his prodigious power, he made waves in the minors, routinely hitting massive home runs that had fans and scouts buzzing. It wasn’t just his power that stood out; Gallo was also a highly regarded defensive player, earning praise for his arm and ability to play both the outfield and third base.
In 2015, Gallo made his MLB debut with the Rangers, and it was clear from the start that he had the potential to be a star. Over the next few seasons, Gallo became known for his ability to hit home runs but also for his inconsistency at the plate. His strikeout rate skyrocketed, and while he could connect for massive bombs, his batting average and on-base percentage were often lacking. Despite this, Gallo’s power was undeniable. In 2017, he hit 41 home runs and garnered his first All-Star selection.
However, Gallo’s career has always been one of ups and downs. For every home run he hit, there seemed to be several strikeouts that kept him from fully realizing his potential. Over the course of his career, Gallo became a symbol of the “three true outcomes” style of play in modern baseball—home runs, strikeouts, and walks. While this approach worked for some players, it often felt like Gallo was just a little too one-dimensional.
In 2021, Gallo was traded to the New York Yankees, where expectations soared. However, his tenure in New York was far from smooth. He struggled to find his footing, dealing with pressure from the media, a declining bat, and continued struggles with contact. After a lackluster 2021 season, the Yankees traded Gallo to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the middle of 2022, hoping that a change of scenery would revive his career.
Unfortunately, Gallo’s time with the Dodgers was brief and unimpressive, and by the start of the 2023 season, he found himself signing a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox Experiment: Struggles and Expectations Joey Gallo released Joey Gallo released
The White Sox represented a fresh start for Gallo, and many thought this might be the place where he could finally unlock his full potential. The team was in a rebuilding phase and seemed like an ideal environment for a player like Gallo, who still had plenty of raw talent but needed to find consistency.
But unfortunately for Gallo, his struggles continued in Chicago. While he showed flashes of power, his strikeout rate remained high, and he was never able to settle into a regular spot in the lineup. For the White Sox, the decision to release Gallo came as a result of these ongoing struggles combined with the team’s need to clear roster space and focus on developing younger talent.
The release of Gallo in 2025 was not entirely unexpected. The White Sox had long been grappling with the underperformance of several veteran players, and Gallo, who had not provided the impact they had hoped for, was among those deemed expendable. His departure left a sense of unfinished business—Gallo’s undeniable talent had never fully materialized, and Chicago was moving in a different direction with its roster.
A Bold Decision: Gallo Eyes a Switch to Pitching Joey Gallo released Joey Gallo released
However, Gallo’s story took an unexpected turn in the days following his release from the White Sox. In a candid interview, Gallo revealed that he was seriously considering switching to pitching. He explained that while his time as a position player had been challenging, his passion for the game remained strong, and he was not ready to give up on his career just yet. He also mentioned that he had always had an interest in pitching and had even dabbled in throwing a few bullpen sessions during his offseasons.
The news was met with both intrigue and skepticism. Switching from position player to pitcher is a rare and audacious move in professional baseball. The most famous example of a position player making the transition to the mound is Babe Ruth, who, after establishing himself as a legendary outfielder and slugger, eventually became a starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. However, in modern baseball, the idea of a player making such a dramatic switch is almost unheard of.
Nevertheless, Gallo’s decision was rooted in a few key factors: Joey Gallo released
- Untapped Potential: Gallo’s career has been defined by flashes of brilliance that never quite materialized into sustained success. His power at the plate has always been a strength, but the inconsistency in his hitting has been a major obstacle. By switching to pitching, Gallo could potentially tap into a new aspect of his athleticism. His strong arm and impressive physicality suggest that he could develop into a capable pitcher, especially if he commits to learning the craft.
- New Challenge and Opportunity: Gallo has faced significant adversity throughout his career, and at this point, he may be looking for a new challenge. A switch to pitching could provide him with a chance to reinvent himself and continue playing at a high level without the pressure of being a traditional slugger. It would allow him to take on a new role and potentially extend his career.
- The Modern MLB: Modern baseball is seeing an increasing number of two-way players, such as Shohei Ohtani and Michael Lorenzen, who excel both as hitters and pitchers. Gallo’s switch could signal a new era in which players are not confined to traditional roles. Though the idea of switching from position player to pitcher is rare, the success of two-way players may inspire more athletes to take unconventional paths.
The Challenges of the Transition Joey Gallo released
While the prospect of Gallo becoming a pitcher is intriguing, it is not without its challenges. Transitioning from a position player to a pitcher is no small feat, and it is highly unlikely that Gallo will immediately become a successful major league arm. Here are some of the key obstacles he will face:
- Pitching Mechanics: Pitching is a highly specialized skill that requires precise mechanics, timing, and control. Gallo would have to re-learn how to throw effectively, which could take years of dedicated practice. He would need to develop not only a reliable fastball but also secondary pitches, such as a slider or curveball, in order to compete at the highest level.
- Health and Durability: Pitching places a heavy strain on the arm, particularly the shoulder and elbow. Gallo would need to ensure that his body is capable of handling the demands of being a full-time pitcher, especially after years of being a position player. Injuries are a common issue for pitchers, and Gallo would need to remain healthy if he hoped to make the transition successfully.
- Time and Patience: The road from position player to pitcher is long and arduous. Gallo would need to spend time in the minor leagues, working his way up through the system while developing his pitching skills. This could take years, and there’s no guarantee that he would ever reach the major leagues as a pitcher. The mental and emotional challenges of such a transition could also be significant, as Gallo would have to embrace a completely new role in the game.
The Future of Gallo’s Career
As of now, it remains to be seen whether Joey Gallo will be able to make the switch to pitching. However, his decision to consider such a dramatic change speaks to his passion for the game and his unwillingness to give up on his dream of playing at the highest level. Whether or not Gallo succeeds in his quest to become a pitcher, his journey will undoubtedly captivate fans and leave a lasting impact on the sport.
In a world where the line between position players and pitchers is becoming increasingly blurred, Gallo’s story could be the next chapter in the evolution of baseball. If he does manage to make the switch, it will be a testament to the ever-changing nature of the game and the persistence of an athlete who refuses to be defined by his struggles. For now, Gallo’s career is in a state of uncertainty, but one thing is clear—his story is far from over.