Former MLB slugger Joey Gallo is making a surprising move in his baseball career by switching to pitching. The 31-year-old, known for his time as an outfielder with teams like the Yankees and the White Sox, recently shared a video of his first bullpen session. In the clip, he demonstrated his pitching mechanics, showing that he is serious about this new direction.
Gallo’s decision comes after he was released by the White Sox in March, a choice he made following a tough spring training where he struggled at the plate, managing only two hits in 20 at-bats. Shortly after his release, Gallo announced his intention to try pitching professionally, a move that caught many by surprise. He expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “It’s been fun outfield,” but clarified, “Just to be clear, I will be pitching.”
His first bullpen session took place on May 2, 2025, and Gallo shared it on Twitter with the caption, “First bullpen just dropped.” The video highlights his commitment to this new challenge, as he works to refine his skills on the mound.
Gallo’s career has seen its ups and downs. He was a two-time All-Star in 2019 and 2021 and won Gold Glove awards in 2020 and 2021. He began his career with the Texas Rangers in 2015, later playing for the Yankees, Dodgers, Twins, and Nationals before joining the White Sox. Gallo is known for his power hitting, having hit over 40 home runs in two seasons and boasting a career slugging percentage that reflects his ability to connect with the ball.
As he embarks on this new path, the baseball world is watching closely. Gallo’s journey from a power hitter to a pitcher is unusual, and it remains to be seen how successful he will be in this role. However, his determination to continue playing baseball is clear. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this experiment unfolds.
