Joey Gallo’s Reinvention As A Pitcher Is Suddenly Drawing Real MLB Interest

[Cody Christie]

Joey Gallo has seen a career of highs and lows, but his latest chapter might be his most unexpected yet. After a decade of towering home runs, highlight reel throws, and extended slumps, the 32-year-old is now pursuing a return to the big leagues as a relief pitcher. And according to reports from the Winter Meetings, multiple teams are giving the idea more than a passing glance.

Gallo sparked renewed attention this offseason by posting a 15-second video on X that showed him unleashing three pitches. The clip was short, and viewers could not see the catcher, but the sound told the story. Each pitch popped the mitt with enough force to make evaluators wonder if his elite arm strength could finally find a new home on the mound. For a player searching for a way back into the league, it felt like a statement that he is taking this transition seriously.

The interest he has generated is not just social media buzz either. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported that several clubs have legitimate intrigue in the former slugger as a pitcher. For someone who launched 208 career home runs and once served as one of the most feared left-handed bats in the game, it is remarkable to see teams now asking whether he can help them in the bullpen instead of the batter’s box. The Twins have multiple open spots in the bullpen, so a minor league deal with an invite to spring training could be on the table.

It is easy to understand why the idea is compelling. At his peak with the Rangers, Gallo owned one of the strongest throwing arms in the sport. His average outfield throw in 2021 clocked in at 93.9 miles per hour, ranking fifth in MLB. Even as he shifted more toward first base late in his career, he still averaged nearly 90 miles per hour on his throws. Translating that raw arm talent to the mound is far from guaranteed, but the baseline tools give pitching coaches something intriguing to mold.

Gallo’s decision to remake himself began earlier this year when he told the White Sox that his future was on the mound, not in the outfield. Chicago released him shortly afterward, but the move only opened the door for him to commit to this experiment fully. Since then, he has been posting training clips and working to develop a delivery that can hold up at the professional level. The progress appears real enough that teams are now willing to explore the possibility.

It would be one of the most surprising reinventions in recent memory if Gallo were to pitch in a major league game. This is a player who once hit 40 home runs in back-to-back seasons and won two Gold Gloves. But careers rarely move in straight lines, and Gallo’s willingness to try something bold has given him a new path. Whether it results in an MLB comeback remains unclear, but for the first time in a while, there is genuine optimism surrounding Gallo again.

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[TNtwins85]

If he can miss bats as above average as his bat missed he might have a promising future! 

[Parfigliano]

Is he even a part of a Frontier League level organization?  Any organization?

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I read Joey Gallo had his name  changed last month in a civil process court in Ft. Myers. His name is now legally Sidd Finch. 

[Vanimal46]

10 hours ago, Cody Christie said:

once served as one of the most feared left-handed bats in the game,

Be real instead of a robot Cody. You laughed while typing that sentence. 

[Doube Duty Dave]

The Twins should start converting Waller to the bullpen now to get ahead of the game. He’s Gallo 2.0. 

[Whitey333]

You're kidding.  Right??

[rv78]

Falvey has $11M just waiting for him.

[Dennesey55347]

Nice motion/delivery. Now let's film it from a rear angle.

[Senior Softball Guy]

He could be a low rent, dollar store Shohei Ohtani!

[S Bart]

Always wondered....is he the brother of Joe Pesci's Jerry Gallo in MY COUSIN VINNY

[TJSweens]

If he can strike out batters at the rate he struck out, he will win a Cy Young.

[LeatherAntenna]

22 hours ago, rv78 said:

Falvey has $11M just waiting for him.

Until July trade deadline, then if he was effective ownership would unload him.

[NotAboutWinning]

It's a cool baseball story... Hope he can pull it off!

[old nurse]

On 12/12/2025 at 8:52 PM, Vanimal46 said:

Be real instead of a robot Cody. You laughed while typing that sentence. 

Two years of 40+ HR is enough to confuse people into thinking feared hitter. 

[bean5302]

I can't understand people not being excited about this. There's been a recent trend of the comeback of the dual role baseball player. It's exciting, fun and new. A throwback to a far bygone era at the earliest roots of the sport.

To me, it's not about Joey Gallo, it's about the prospect of seeing more of these types of athletes and how much fun it is to bring something old, but exciting, back into the sport. Matt Wallner has a cannon arm. What if he's the next Shoehei Ohtani? (he's not), but how cool is this? The answer is it's super cool.

Every player who makes this transition or player who is successful in dual role begins to change the sport. I love it.

[RpR]

Twins could sign Gallo and then move Wallner to the pen!

[bunsen82]

So just to clarify,  we have no indications that Twins have any interest in Gallo,  just that Gallo is getting some interest . . . for wait for it . . .  at best a minor league contract.   I mean what is the point.  I came here after reading your satire article.  We now have 2 articles - 1 being satire about something that isn't even a story.