Could Joey Gallo Really Return to MLB as a Pitcher? Latest FA Rumors on Former Slugger

Veteran outfielder and first baseman Joey Gallo has reportedly drawn interest from several teams following a position change.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Gallo has been targeted by multiple clubs as a pitcher in free agency.

The 32-year-old announced his decision to switch to pitching in March and has posted updates regarding his progress on social media.

Gallo's position change came after he opened the 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox on a minor league contract, but was released by the team before making his 2025 MLB debut.

He struggled at the plate throughout his three seasons in the majors prior to his brief stint in Chicago, hitting .166 with 50 home runs across 313 combined games as a member of the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals.

Gallo's best stretch of play came from 2019-21, as he earned two All-Star nods in three years. He racked up 70 homers in 280 contests over that span, posting an .828 OPS.

Pitching isn't a completely new concept for Gallo, as he took the mound during his high school days. He was selected as the Nevada Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year in 2012 following a season in which he compiled a 1.85 ERA to go along with 17 strikeouts in just over 11 innings pitched for Bishop Gorman High School.

While there's no guarantee that his high school production will make him a capable pitching option in MLB, his work throughout the year has appeared to catch the attention of multiple front offices.