Should the Texas Rangers Sign Joey Gallo to An Extension?

Slugger Joey Gallo impressed many when he came out and crushed 41 home runs in 2017. He’s not eligible for free agency until 2023, but should the Rangers extend him even longer?

The biggest mistake the Texas Rangers made last off-season was giving infielder Rougned Odor a contract extension. The 23-year-old had a career-worst 2017 season, and has not lived up to his extension thus far.

It’s still early and Odor has plenty of time to make himself worthy of a deal that goes as high as $13 million a year. Should the Rangers be cautious about giving anymore young players contract extensions?

The difference between Odor and Joey Gallo is that the Rangers already know what they will get from Gallo. He hit .209 with 41 homers and 80 RBI with 75 walks and 196 strikeouts in 145 games in 2017.

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There is a chance he increases his walks and lowers the strikeout rate. Besides that Gallo is going to be a low average home run hitter. That’s what he was in the minors, and the Rangers shouldn’t expect him to hit above .240 in any season.

That being said, the Rangers don’t have to worry about a contract extension until 2020 with Gallo. He’s not arbitration eligible until then which means he won’t be making much more than the minimum $500,000 until 2020.

When that time comes Gallo’s performance can be evaluated. There is really no need for the Rangers to jump the gun and extend Gallo right now. He’s still a young developing slugger with likely the most potential on the current Rangers roster.

Especially after the Odor deal, the Rangers shouldn’t offer Gallo any contract extension. Let him play until arbitration eligible and if he’s doing well then think about a long-term deal. The Rangers should let Gallo play for the minimum salary until then.