Former Dodgers, Yankees All-Star Outfielder Announces Shocking Position Change

Maren Angus-Coombs | Mar 17, 2025

Oct 2, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Joey Gallo (12) misses a triple by Colorado Rockies right fielder Randal Grichuk (15) in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Joey Gallo’s latest career moment wasn’t a highlight but a lowlight – challenging a called strike right down the middle during a Chicago White Sox Cactus League game.

Shortly after, the former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder was released by the White Sox, Major League Baseball’s worst team in 2024.

However, what came next was something no one expected. Gallo took to social media with an announcement that quickly created a buzz.

It’s been fun outfield. ✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/Xck4WON6SB

— Joey Gallo (@JoeyGallo24) March 16, 2025

“It’s been fun outfield,” he captioned a post featuring a video of himself throwing out baserunners.

He later clarified his intentions: “Just to be clear, I will be pitching.”

With this decision, Gallo joins a small but growing list of big leaguers who have turned to pitching to extend their careers.

More news: Dodgers World Series Pitcher Joins NL West Rival in Free Agent Move

Just last season, longtime utility player Brett Phillips attempted a similar transition, signing a minor league deal with the Yankees as a pitcher. More recently, former outfielder Tyler Naquin, an eight-year MLB veteran, made the same move, joining the Cleveland Guardians on a minor league deal as a pitcher.

For Gallo, pitching isn’t entirely unfamiliar. During his high school days at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, he threw a no-hitter as a senior and was named the Nevada Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year.

Joey Gallo threw 94 in high school so I’m guessing he throws harder now, and if his mechanics are still anything like this I think he might have a decent chance to be a pretty good pitcher 😂 pic.twitter.com/chqoMVAYcu

— JL (@JLas43_) March 16, 2025

While he’s long been known for his powerful bat and strong arm, consistency at the plate has always been an issue.

In spring training with Chicago, Gallo managed just two hits in 20 at-bats while striking out 11 times. His struggles carried over from last season with the Washington Nationals, where he hit .161 with 10 home runs, 27 RBIs, and 102 strikeouts in 223 at-bats.

The Nationals declined his $8 million mutual option in November.

Gallo made his MLB debut in 2015 and found success early in his career. He earned All-Star selections in 2019 and 2021 and won Gold Glove Awards in 2020 and 2021.

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However, over parts of 10 MLB seasons, his batting average has remained low at .194, with 208 home runs, 453 RBIs, and 1,292 strikeouts across 2,869 at-bats.

His MLB journey has taken him through stints with the Texas Rangers (2015-21), New York Yankees (2021-22), Los Angeles Dodgers (2022), Minnesota Twins (2023), and Washington Nationals (2024).

Now, as he attempts to reinvent himself on the mound, it remains to be seen whether Gallo’s strong arm can carve out a new role for him in professional baseball.

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.