Joey Gallo‘s journey over the past decade has been anything but predictable. From donning the jerseys of powerhouse teams like the Yankees and Dodgers to now signing a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox—it’s a plot twist few saw coming. Veterans typically climb the ladder; Gallo, however, is taking the road less traveled. A utility player with experience at third base, first base, and the outfield, his descent into the minors is a harsh reality check for free agents in today’s market.
Now that he signed the minor league deal, fans will hope that he offers a spectacular performance this year and makes it to the majors again. That’s probable considering the minor league deal includes an invitation to the big league. Joey Gallo will always stand as a unique case of going opposite to the general trend, and he has the opportunity to create an example of how to make a grand comeback again. But could he be able to do so? What made him opt for the minor league at this age?
Joey Gallo is turning the tide
Yes, Gallo is turning the tide by opting for minor league after playing ten years in the majors. Since his debut in the major league for the Rangers, Gallo went on to play for the Yankees, Dodgers, Twins, and Nationals, amassing 208 HRs and 453 RBIs at a .194 career average. Not so bad to write him off! He ended 2024 with the Nationals with 10 HRs and 27 RBIs, which may not be a bad number but a far cry from what he was once. For the unversed, between 2017 and 2021, Gallo had 4.1 WAR, which came down to 0.3 WAR last year. That was enough for the Nationals to reject his $8 million mutual option, sending him into free agency with a $2.5 million buyout.
Veteran slugger Joey Gallo, without a major league job for the first time in 10 years, signs minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox and an invitation to their big league camp.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 14, 2025
The free agency was not going well for Joey Gallo considering no major offers came to him, leaving him for the minor league deals. In this case, the White Sox made a mark by offering him a deal. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, an invitation to their big league camp is also included, which means Gallo can still make it big at the majors considering his performance this year. Well, this offseason gave a reality check to what otherwise seems like a money-making option. Big names like Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman stayed unsold till the last minute, and, likely, Gallo would not have secured any deal had he not accepted the minor deal.
What is ahead for him?
Joey Gallo is going to start the 2025 season in the minor league. Although that’s a demotion for a veteran, fans are hopeful that he is going to kill it this year. With all the experience he has, it should not be a problem for Gallo to score huge this year playing primarily against the rookies. Moreover, playing in the minor league also opened an opportunity for Gallo to prove that he still had games left with him, and what could be sweeter than scoring big this year and getting a call for the major league the next year?
For the White Sox, having a veteran among the rookies will solidify their young talents and their entire supply system for the majors. Their chance in the minor league also got a push with Gallo on the team, and considering his performance, the White Sox will have the option to call him up. Hence, getting Gallo is a win-win deal for the team, and now the fans would hope that Gallo can perform to his best and can make it to the majors at the earliest. A history is waiting to be rewritten about how to make a comeback once Gallo makes it again to the majors.
The 2025 season will be an exciting year for Joey Gallo to prove his critics wrong, and for the White Sox fans, their team is now a major contender in the minor league.
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