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Failed Twins Outfielder Launching Pitching Career
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- Failed Twins Outfielder Launching Pitching Career
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This offseason the Minnesota Twins are looking to add some thump to their lineup. The most straightforward place for them to do so would be at first base . They are already having some of those discussions.
When it comes to thump, few players have been synonymous with that belief more in recent seasons than Joey Gallo . Unfortunately when he signed with the Twins in 2023 things went off the rails.
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A stop in Washington for the 2024 season didn't get things back on track, and the thump was more bark than bite. He's always had a cannon for an arm though, and now he's looking to moonlight on the mound.
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Joey Gallo drawing pitching interest
The announcement that Gallo would look to make the transition to pitching has been out there for a while. During the Winter Meetings this week, Jon Heyman reported that the former left-slugger is drawing interest from multiple teams.
Joey Gallo the pitcher is drawing interest from several teams
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2025
Now 32 years old, it seems unlikely that Gallo would want to work substantially in the minor leagues. That said, he's going to need to prove a level of pitching prowess before a team puts him on the big league mound.
After a 100 OPS+ with the Minnesota Twins in 2023, Gallo batted just .161/.277/.336 across 76 games for the Washington Nationals in 2024. When at his best, from 2017 through 2021, Gallo own a solid .336 on-base percentage. His patient knowledge of the strike zone could serve him well on the mound.
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If there's also something that a team signing him to pitch is hoping for, it's that he can generate a consistent level of strikeouts. As a batter he has racked up nearly 1,300 of them. If he can pound the zone and put the ball by opposing hitters, he'll do damage on the mound as well.
— Joey Gallo (@JoeyGallo24) November 21, 2025
During his final season, Gallo's arm strength fell off a cliff. However, Statcast records him hitting 99.3 mph in 2020 and consistently sitting in the upper 90's over the course of his career. There is more to pitching than just velocity, but that's hardly a bad place to work from.
If and when Gallo lands a job, it's likely to be of the minor league variety. He'll get a Spring Training invite, and from there it will be on the former first round pick to prove he can be helpful. Multiple other former hitters have extended their careers by attempting to work from the mound, and Gallo is looking to be next in line.
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