New York Yankees‘ 2021 trade acquisition Joey Gallo has had a rough time with strikeouts ever since he made his MLB debut.
However, since he landed in the Bronx after a trade with the Texas Rangers, these issues have increased.
At the moment of the trade, his strikeout rate with Texas was 32.2 percent.
With the Yankees, it went up to 38.6 percent in 228 plate appearances: it means that Gallo was retired on a strike three almost 40 percent of his plate appearances last season with the Yanks.
He was eager to improve in 2022, and still is of course, but it’s safe to say he isn’t off to a very promising start.
“Joey Gallo, who led all of #MLB last season with 213 strikeouts, is showing it was no fluke. He has struck out in all three of his plate appearances today for the #Yankees,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweeted.
Joey Gallo, who led all of #MLB last season with 213 strikeouts, is showing it was no fluke.
He has struck out in all three of his plate appearances today for the #Yankees.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 8, 2022
It’s safe to say his strikeout issues carried over to 2022.
But, in reality, nobody expected them to disappear.
A Three True Outcome Player
Gallo is the typical three true outcomes slugger: most of his at-bats end in a home run, a walk, or a strikeout.
It’s just who he is.
However, the fact he strikes out so much doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be a productive offensive player.
In fact, Gallo’s lifetime OPS is .821, and lots of MLB hitters would dream of having that number.
It’s comfortably above-average offensive production from a comfortably above-average player, considering his power, patience, surprising athleticism, and very, very good defense.
So, yes: Gallo is still striking out at an alarming rate.
But over the course of a full season, he should show he is a good player once again, especially in 2022, a contract year for him.
NEXT: Giancarlo Stanton Wastes No Time Getting His First 2022 Home Run