Joey Gallo is trying something few former sluggers have dared: reinventing himself as a pitcher at 32 years old.
Yes, that Joey Gallo-the two-time All-Star known for towering home runs, a cannon of an arm in right field, and, let’s be honest, more than his fair share of strikeouts-is now working to flip the script on his career. Nearly a year after first floating the idea of stepping on the mound, Gallo is still at it. And here’s the thing: people are starting to take notice.
He’s been posting pitching videos on social media, and they’re not just for show. According to Jon Heyman, multiple teams have sent scouts to watch Gallo throw during a recent showcase.
That’s not nothing. In fact, it’s a sign that his efforts-however unconventional-are at least intriguing enough to warrant a closer look.
Now, this isn’t just a gimmick. Gallo’s arm has always been one of his best tools.
Even during his offensive struggles, his defense and outfield arm remained assets. He’s no stranger to unleashing 95+ mph throws from the warning track, and that raw arm strength is exactly what he's trying to translate into something more structured on the mound.
Spring Training is underway, and Gallo’s name is still floating around-not as a power bat looking for redemption, but as a pitcher trying to break into a whole new role. That alone is a testament to his perseverance.
Reinventing yourself in your 30s, in a league that’s constantly churning through younger, fresher talent, is no small feat. But Gallo’s working at it, putting in the reps, and apparently showing enough in those bullpen sessions to get some front offices curious.
Could a team take a flier on him? Absolutely.
Baseball has long been a sport of second (and sometimes third or fourth) chances-especially when there’s upside involved. Gallo’s not trying to be the next Shohei Ohtani, but if he can channel even a fraction of that two-way potential, he becomes a fascinating project for a team with some roster flexibility and an eye for reclamation stories.
And let’s face it-there are bullpens out there that could use a live arm, especially one with Gallo’s athleticism and big-league experience. Whether it’s as a middle reliever, a lefty specialist, or even just a guy who can eat innings in blowout games, there’s a path forward if he can prove he’s more than just a viral video.
Of course, the odds are long. Transitioning from the outfield to the mound isn’t just about velocity.
It’s about command, sequencing, durability, and the ability to adjust on the fly. But Gallo’s giving it a real shot, and that’s worth acknowledging.
He’s not just chasing a paycheck-he’s chasing a second act.
It’s too early to say if this experiment will stick, but one thing’s clear: Joey Gallo isn’t done with baseball. And if he can make even a small splash as a pitcher, it’ll be one of the more unexpected-and frankly, entertaining-career pivots we’ve seen in recent memory.
So keep an eye on him this spring. Because whether it leads to a contract, a minor league invite, or just a handful of radar guns pointed his way, Gallo’s journey is one worth watching.