In a surprising move, the Washington Nationals have declined slugger Joey Gallo’s $8 million mutual option for the 2024 season, opting instead to pay a $2.5 million buyout and let the 31-year-old outfielder become a free agent. The decision comes after a disappointing year for Gallo, who struggled mightily at the plate during his stint in the nation’s capital.
A Season to Forget in Washington
Signed by the Nationals in January to provide some much-needed pop in the lineup, Gallo failed to live up to expectations. The two-time All-Star slashed a paltry .161/.259/.371 with just 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in 223 at-bats. Even more alarming was his strikeout rate, as he whiffed 102 times, continuing a troubling trend that has plagued him in recent years.
Gallo’s struggles were a far cry from his All-Star campaigns with the Texas Rangers in 2019 and 2021, when he mashed 41 and 38 homers, respectively. Since being traded to the New York Yankees midway through the 2021 season, however, the slugger has seen his production nosedive.
A Nomadic Journey
The Nationals were Gallo’s fourth team in the past three seasons, following stints with the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Minnesota Twins. Once a cornerstone of the Rangers’ lineup, the left-handed hitter has struggled to find consistency and recapture his All-Star form.
“It’s been a tough few years for Joey,” an anonymous MLB executive told reporters. “He’s got immense power, but the strikeouts have become a real issue. He needs to find a way to make more contact if he wants to stick around in this league.”
What’s Next for Gallo?
Despite his recent struggles, Gallo is likely to garner interest from teams in need of left-handed power. His elite defense and ability to draw walks could make him an attractive option for clubs willing to take a chance on a bounce-back season.
Potential suitors may include the Oakland Athletics, who are in the midst of a rebuild and could benefit from Gallo’s veteran presence, or the Colorado Rockies, who may look to capitalize on his power in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.
A Crossroads in His Career
As he enters free agency, Gallo finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. Once hailed as a potential superstar, the slugger must now prove that he can overcome his contact issues and rediscover the form that made him one of the game’s most feared power hitters.
- Gallo’s Career Stats: .194 AVG, 208 HR, 453 RBI, 1,292 K in 2,869 AB
- All-Star Seasons: 2019 (41 HR) & 2021 (38 HR) with Rangers
- Teams: Rangers (2015-21), Yankees (2021-22), Dodgers (2022), Twins (2023), Nationals (2024)
For Gallo, the 2025 season represents an opportunity for redemption, a chance to silence his critics and prove that he still has what it takes to be an impact player in the majors. As he navigates the free-agent market, the baseball world will be watching closely to see where he lands and whether he can regain his once-prodigious power stroke.
