Joey Gallo wants to reinvent himself as a pitcher after White Sox release

On March 16, 2025, MLB veteran Joey Gallo was released by the Chicago White Sox following a disappointing performance during spring training. Gallo struggled to make an impact, going just 2 for 20 at the plate with 11 strikeouts in nine games played, leading the team to conclude that he was not good enough to remain on the roster, considering they already had a dismal record of 41 wins last season. Gallo, who had signed a minor league contract, hit only .161 with 10 home runs, 27 RBIs, and a striking 102 strikeouts over 223 at-bats in the previous season with the Washington Nationals. This release marks a significant moment in Gallo's career, as he has been a prominent name in MLB but has faced challenges in recent years. In light of his release, he used social media to express his desire to shift his professional focus from being a hitter to becoming an MLB pitcher. Gallo's announcement reflects a growing trend among players who look to reinvent themselves in different positions as a way to extend their careers in a highly competitive league. Over the course of his 10 seasons in the MLB, he was known for both his power bat and defensive talent but struggled with consistency and batting average. Throughout his career, Gallo has recorded an overall .194 batting average with 208 home runs and 453 RBIs. He was recognized for his striking power, managing to hit approximately 36 home runs per 162 games despite recording high strikeout numbers; he led MLB in both strikeouts and walks in the year 2021, further emphasizing the “boom-or-bust” nature of his hitting abilities. The decision by the White Sox to release him underscores their need to move forward after a season where their performance was noticeably poor compared to other teams. As Gallo transitions to pitching, there remains uncertainty about his ability to excel in this new role, although he previously showcased a strong arm in the outfield, contributing 271 assists throughout his career. The question that lingers is whether he possesses the skill set necessary to succeed as a pitcher. Notably, this comes as the MLB has initiated new rules that allow players to challenge ball or strike calls, which Gallo grappled with during the spring training. His struggle with hitting may have been the pivotal moment that prompted him to consider this radical change in his career direction.