Rangers fan favorite Joey Gallo's oddball return may be closer than you think

Joey Gallo is widely known for his ability to hit home runs. In 939 career games, the former Ranger hit 208 homers. He is also known for striking out a lot, as demonstrated by his 1292 career strikeouts.

Although he didn't play last season, Gallo might be able to continue collecting strikeouts, only this time he will be happier doing so.

Ex-Rangers slugger Joey Gallo receiving interest from multiple teams... as a pitcher?!

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Wednesday, "Joey Gallo the pitcher is drawing interest from several teams." Gallo expressed his intentions to return to MLB as a pitcher on social media eight months ago.

Gallo would, of course, have a long journey back to the big leagues as a pitcher if a team signs him. He'd first have to conquer the minor leagues on the mound, and hopefully be with a team with room on their 26-man roster at some point. Even if a team signs him for next season, he most likely will remain in the minor leagues, as pitching at the professional level is extremely difficult.

But if anyone can make the switch from hitter to pitcher, it's Gallo. In 2021, the former Rangers slugger ranked fifth in MLB with his 93.9 mph average arm strength. His 6-foot-5 stature should help him be more effective on the mound as well. Not to mention, he threw a no-hitter during his senior year of high school.

Rangers fans would love to see one of their team's most beloved players in franchise history return to the big leagues. Gallo began his MLB career in 2015 with Texas. In parts of seven seasons with the Rangers, Gallo posted 14.0 bWAR and a .211/.336/.497 (116 OPS+) slash line with 145 home runs and 317 RBI over 568 games. He made two All-Star Game appearances (2019 & 2021) as a member of the Rangers.

After the Rangers traded Gallo in July of 2021, he struggled significantly. He had a lowly 84 OPS+ in 140 games from 2021-22 with the Yankees before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gallo had an 86 OPS+ in 44 games with the Dodgers. He then had a 100 OPS+ in 111 games with the Twins in 2023 and a 73 OPS+ in 76 games with the Washington Nationals in 2024.