The Chicago White Sox had a rough 2024 season, finishing with a 41-121 record and setting the MLB record for most losses in a single season. The White Sox fired manager Pedro Grifol midseason and have since hired Will Venable in hopes of turning things around.
But with spring training underway, it was reported that veteran slugger Joey Gallo was granted his release on Sunday, March 16, per MLB.com reporter Scott Merkin.
However, Gallo is now making a transition to a new position.
Joey Gallo Transitioning to Pitching
Gallo, who has been in MLB since 2015, has 208 career home runs and 453 RBIs. He is a two-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove winner.
After being released by the White Sox, the veteran posted on social media that he is attempting to become a pitcher.
“It’s been fun, outfield,” Gallo wrote on X alongside a montage of his outfield clips.
Moments later, he clarified: “Just to be clear, I will be pitching.”
Just to be clear, I will be pitching.
— Joey Gallo (@JoeyGallo24) March 16, 2025
The move is surprising for Gallo, who is 31 years old and has primarily played outfield and first base throughout his MLB career.
During spring training with the White Sox, Gallo struggled at the plate, going 2 for 20 with 11 strikeouts, one walk, and no extra-base hits. In 2024, he played for the Washington Nationals, hitting just .161 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in 76 games.
Over his career, Gallo has also played for the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Minnesota Twins.
Gallo’s Pitching Move Isn’t a Surprise
While fans were surprised by Gallo’s decision to switch positions, the White Sox apparently were not.
After his release, Chicago’s assistant general manager Josh Barfield revealed that Gallo had already expressed interest in trying pitching.
“He had expressed interest through his agent if it didn’t work out on the Major League team, that he was going to explore the pitching side,” Barfield said. “I know it’s something he’s been dabbling around with in between some of the reps here. But he asked for his release today. So, we accommodated that.”
It appears this was something Gallo had been considering for some time, and now he will try to make the transition.
Former Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians outfielder Tyler Naquin also announced his decision to switch to pitching, and now Gallo is attempting the same move to revive his career.