Ex-Yankees bust makes surprising career change after hitting new low

TAMPA, Fla. — Joey Gallo’s career unraveled in recent years because of his inability to limit strikeouts at the plate.

Now, he’ll be looking to inflict that misery upon opposing hitters from the mound.

The ex-Yankees outfielder announced with a post on social media on Sunday afternoon that he is changing positions. He’ll be a pitcher moving forward.

“It’s been fun outfield,” Gallo wrote on X with a peace sign emoji. The post featured a highlight video of Gallo in the outfield with a tease at the end of the two-time All-Star on a mound in White Sox gear.

“Just to be clear, I will be pitching,” Gallo replied to his own post.

Gallo was granted his release by the White Sox earlier in the day on Monday. He had signed a minor-league deal with Chicago last month and was 2-for-20 in spring training at the plate thus far.

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The Yankees acquired Gallo at the deadline in 2021, a blockbuster move with the Rangers that involved six players.

He proceeded to slash .159/.291/.368 in pinstripes, striking out 194 times in 501 plate appearances over 140 games.

The Yankees moved on from Gallo at the 2022 deadline, sending the lefty to the Dodgers in exchange for pitching prospect Clayton Beeter. Gallo’s production didn’t improve. He hit .162 with Los Angeles to finish out that season and since then — over two seasons with the Twins and Nationals — Gallo was just as awful at the plate as he was in pinstripes, slashing .170/.291/.394.

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Max Goodman may be reached at [email protected].

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