Joey Gallo Is Primed For A Huge Breakout Once MLB Resumes

Posted on May 5, 2020

It took a while for the Texas Rangers to develop on of their top MLB picks, but former first rounder, Joey Gallo has arrived. The 26-year-old continues to improve and made his first All-Star appearance in 2019. His Goliath stroke isn’t the only thing that pitchers are starting to fear, as he makes strides elsewhere.

Gallo only played in 70 games in 2019. His season was cut short due to an oblique strain, followed by a broken hamate bone in his right wrist. This was a complete bummer, considering Gallo was posting career-highs in batting average (.253), walk rate (17.5 percent), ISO (.344), OPS (.986), and wOBA (.401).

The lefty was on pace for the most homers and RBI of his career. It likely would have been his third-consecutive 40-homer season. The power bat launched 22 long-balls and tallied 49 RBI over the 70 contests. His hard hit rate spiked to a massive 51.9 percent and his line drive rate rose to a healthy 25.6 percent. In fact, the hard hit rate ranked inside the top-10 in the MLB (minimum 150 plate appearances). What a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

The increase in batted ball rates and batting average would suggest that Gallo and the Texas coaching staff figured something out. One of the premier power strokes in the game, if Gallo can just muster a .250-.270 average, then watch out. The strikeouts are always going to be high with that power, but most didn’t see this drastic improvement coming. Whenever the 2020 season starts Gallo is primed to be on the MLB consensus picks for the most improved player in the league. 

With a healthy batting average to his name, he’s no longer a one-trick pony. Gallo should produce at a level that we have yet to see for a full season in 2020. Gallo may even have the power to move the MLB over under line the sportsbooks have set on the Rangers this year. You’ll be sure to see plenty of big-fly highlights coming out of Arlington, Texas once the MLB season gets going!