The Washington Nationals have declined their $8 million mutual option on former Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo, casting the once-powerful slugger back into the free-agent market. This marks the third straight offseason that Gallo, who turns 31 later this month, will explore his options after an underwhelming 2024 season with Washington, where he hit just .161 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs.
What happened
Once a feared power bat, Joey Gallo‘s trajectory has shifted dramatically since his prime days with the Texas Rangers. A two-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove winner, Gallo’s peak came with back-to-back 40-home run seasons in 2017 and 2018. He was a rarity in MLB—a true “three true outcomes” hitter who led the American League in walks in 2021 and produced serious power while maintaining strong defensive metrics. But his tenure with the Yankees marked the beginning of a tougher stretch. Acquired by New York at the 2021 trade deadline, he was expected to bring balance to a lineup in need of left-handed power. Instead, his Yankees run highlighted his inconsistency: he batted just .159 across 140 games with the Bronx Bombers, striking out 194 times in that span, leaving fans and the organization questioning his fit.
With the Nationals, Joey Gallo faced another tough year. Injuries limited him to 76 games, including a sprained AC joint in his shoulder and a hamstring strain that sidelined him for nearly two months. Even when he was in the lineup, his production waned; his .613 OPS was the lowest of his career in a full season, and his WAR of 0.3 was his lowest since his rookie year in 2016.
However, Joey Gallo’s defensive versatility remained a positive. Moving from his traditional corner outfield spots to first base, he logged 59 games at the position, where he continued to add value with seven defensive runs saved. This flexibility could attract teams in need of a left-handed bat who can play multiple positions.
Joey Gallo’s reputation as a high-strikeout, low-batting-average player has overshadowed his other attributes in recent years, but his power potential remains undeniable. Despite his career-long struggle to hit for average—hovering around .194—Gallo’s raw power and history of run production keep him in the conversation, especially for teams looking to add depth and a defensive asset at a reasonable price.
Starting Monday at 5 p.m. ET, Gallo will once again be available to negotiate with any team. For the former Yankee, this free agency period could be a defining chapter, as he looks to prove he can still deliver the kind of performance that once made him one of MLB’s top sluggers. Whether he lands on a club seeking a reclamation project or one willing to gamble on his potential, Gallo’s next move will be closely watched.
