3 Texas Rangers who should be All-Stars (but probably won’t be)

2. Joey Gallo

Has the longest tenured active Texas Rangers player done enough to get to Denver?

This one is just because I love Joey and want him to thrive.

We don’t have to sugarcoat it. Joey Gallo doesn’t have the numbers to warrant an All-Star selection – quite the opposite, in fact. He has regressed significantly from his strong 2019 campaign.

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But what if I were to tell you there was an All-Star spot for guys who exemplify great character in the face of hardship? There’s not, but if it existed Joey would be a first-ballot selection. He’s openly addressed that he wants to be a key part of the Rangers rebuild. He hasn’t shied away from the trade rumors, and he has been a great locker room guy for a struggling ball club for years now. It’s not unreasonable to hope that he can return to 2019 form. He’s only 27, and no one can accuse him of immaturity or lack of effort. Give Joey Gallo the 2021 All-Star Who Hasn’t Really Done Anything But Still Just Should Be There Anyway spot.

The Rangers basically have full control over where Joey Gallo plays through the end of 2022, but his comments, if anything, prove that he wants to earn a hefty payday and stay here long term, so if the team is not motivated to trade him then we could hopefully see a spike in his offensive production in the 2021 second half and perhaps a return to form next year. Gallo is an extremely valuable player to have, regardless of his struggles, so if he doesn’t get that Good Guy All-Star spot in 2021, keep an eye out next year.