Texas Rangers: What the future holds for Joey Gallo

Despite a subpar 2020 season, the Texas Rangers still have a big decision to mull over in regards to Joey Gallo and his future with the team.

The Texas Rangers have their hands on a player that is a rare breed in Joey Gallo, and they have many options for a path to take with him in the future.

Gallo is a rare player in that even when he is dreadfully bad at the plate from a batting average standpoint, the other parts of his game are good enough to where he is an above replacement level (1.2 WAR in 2020).

If 2019 was what his future can be, rather than a fluke, then that would mean the sky is the limit for him. He would become more than an elite power hitter, and gold glove outfielder. He would be elevated into a MVP candidate.

But what are the options that the Texas Rangers can take with him in regards to his future?

There are three pretty basic options for them to pursue.

Option 1

Sign him to a long term deal, and secure that his prime will take place in Texas Rangers uniform.

Pretty basic decision for them, and those that understand baseball analytics will think it is a good deal, while those that just look at the average, and nothing beyond it will scoff.

Signing him to a long term deal would solidify him as a big part of the core of this franchise for when they eventually return to relevance.

The front office has been burned on big contracts before (Shin-Soo Choo and Rougned Odor), so this is probably why they have been hesitant, but Gallo is an established MLB player, so they should feel comfortable paying him.

Option 2

Let him walk in free agency.

Letting him walk in free agency would be the most frustrating options for fans to see, as it likely means that the team failed to extend him, and that will hurt the franchise, as they will then have to scramble looking for a new part of their core to replace him.

All the Texas Rangers would get out of it? A compensation draft pick, and not having to pay a big contract.

The club would just essentially be giving up a quarter for a penny, which would be a nightmare scenario for them.

Option 3

Trading Joey Gallo.

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Trading Gallo would be a solid decision as they could get a great prospect haul in return for him from a contender, or even piece him together for a player that they view as better (Lindor package?).

Gallo can play all over the field, and is a power hitter, which teams in need over power would drool over, and possibly give up an arm and a leg to acquire. Especially if he is the missing piece to make them a contender.

Overall, it is going to be very interesting to see how the situation between Joey Gallo and the Texas Rangers works out in the future, as both sides will likely negotiate this offseason, and possibly throughout the season.

He is still under control through the 2022 season, so they have time to make a decision with him, but if they are wanting to trade him, the sooner the better, as the closer he gets to free agency, the more his value declines.

• Published on 12/07/2020 at 13:30 PM
• Last updated at 12/07/2020 at 11:37 AM