Joey Gallo Tweets He's Switching to Pitcher After White Sox Reportedly Cut All-Star 1B

Veteran outfielder and first baseman Joey Gallo was released by the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin.

Per Merkin, Gallo asked for his release and Chicago granted his request.

The two-time All-Star agreed to terms on a minor league contract with the White Sox on Feb. 13, which included a non-roster invite to spring training.

Gallo reacted to the news on social media, claiming that he'll transition to pitching.

He previously appeared in 76 games with the Washington Nationals during the 2024 season.

The 31-year-old struggled mightily at the plate with Chicago throughout spring training, recording just one RBI in nine games to go along with a .100/.143/.100 slash line.

Gallo, a two-time Gold Glove winner in the outfield, has seen his defensive prowess decline as of late and fits better at first base.

It still appeared to be unlikely that he would be able to carve out a bench role on a White Sox team that already has several expected contributors at his positions, though.

Andrew Vaughn and Luis Robert Jr. are projected to start on a daily basis at first base and center field, while Mike Tauchman and Andrew Benintendi should also receive heavy playing time at both outfield corners (h/t Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors).

While Gallo's power at the plate is well-known, his uneven production combined with his tendency to strike out likely contributed to his release. Since the start of the 2022 season, he's racked up 50 home runs as well as 407 strikeouts in 1,002 plate appearances.

If Gallo seriously pursues pitching, it'll be a position that he hasn't played since high school. He was previously named the Nevada Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year in 2012, posting a 1.85 ERA to go along with 17 strikeouts in just over 11 innings of work at Bishop Gorman High School.

Following Gallo's release from the White Sox, taking the mound appears to be an option for the veteran.