The Texas Rangers will start the baseball season with a different player at third base for the first time in six seasons. There is no need to worry though because fan-favorite Adrian Beltre should return after the team’s opening home stand to begin the season. The Rangers have slotted Joey Gallo to replace Beltre at the hot corner until his return. Gallo gets another chance with this opportunity to prove his worth to the organization. But that begs the question what will happen to Joey Gallo after Beltre does return? What if Gallo is playing some of his best baseball? Will the Joey Gallo experiment continue?
Another Chance for Joey Gallo
The First Call-Up
Joey Gallo made his Major League debut on June 2, 2015. During that debut Gallo gave Ranger fans a lot of hope. Gallo flirted with a cycle that day. In four at bats he had three hits, one home run, and four RBI. Fans couldn’t help but be excited. Could Gallo be the next big name for the Rangers? Was this another prodigy that General Manager Jon Daniels produced? The short answer is no. Gallo quickly came crashing down from the stratosphere after his debut. He would only play in 35 more games during the 2015 season. In those games he finished with a .204 batting average and struck out in 46 percent of plate appearances. Clearly not ready for the majors, Gallo’s disappointing run came to an end after he was left off the playoff roster.
The Second Call-Up
Looking to forget the 2015 season. Gallo showed up to the Rangers 2016 Spring Training looking to make the major league roster. Gallo had a decent spring, batting .286 and getting on base at a .429 clip. At first appearance, Gallo looked to have solved his problem getting on base. It still wasn’t enough. When the Rangers broke camp, Gallo was sent to Triple-A Round Rock Express. Gallo spent most of the season in Round Rock, but was called up when the roster was expanded in September. Again Gallo disappointed playing with the Rangers. In the games that he played with the team he had 25 at bats and struck out 19 of those. Also in those 25 games Gallo only hit .040 which didn’t turn any heads.
What’s Next
General Manager Jon Daniels must see something in the young Gallo. Many other MLB teams have called at the trade deadline trying to work a deal for Gallo. But, Daniels has been reluctant to let him go. The question is why? Gallo is young, and there is still time for him to reach his potential. Yet, every time he has been given the opportunity to succeed he has stumbled. How many more chances will Gallo have?
Gallo is now living in the shadow of other proven prospects like Jurickson Profar and Nomar Mazara. The once next big hitter for the Rangers is now left having to prove that the last two seasons were flukes. He will have his opportunity right out of the gate as he opens the season as the Rangers starting third baseman. Should he squander this chance, Ranger fans may not see him again in Arlington. Also Daniels may look to take up other teams on their offers at the trade deadline, thus ending the Joey Gallo’s career in the Rangers system.
If Gallo proves that he has what it takes to stay in the majors then the Rangers will have to make some decisions. That all depends on Gallo though, and how he takes this opportunity.
Joey Gallo has the talent to make an impact for the Rangers, but he has to step up now. This could be his last chance. Then again he could be like former Ranger players that have been traded, and become big names.
