Joey Gallo is actually one of MLB‘s most fascinating players: he’ll hit for a low average and will also strike out a ton, but he also has legendary power and punishes the ball when he squares it up.
On some occasions, because other teams would implement the shift on him (knowing that he is a heavy pull-hitter), he felt the pressure or need to do this:
Joey Gallo won't have to do this anymore
(via @YESNetwork)pic.twitter.com/i8YKdJJEkg
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 7, 2022
However, MLB will now be able to introduce some rule changes for 2023, including banning the shift.
To be fair, very few people wants to see Gallo, who has surpassed 40 homers twice in his career and hit 38 last season, bunt the baseball.
He is paid to hit home runs.
That is when he doesn’t strike out, as some fans have pointed out via Twitter:
The problem isn’t when Joey Gallo hits in to the shift, it’s that for every time he does that he’ll strike out like 5 times before
— Matthew Ward (@waaaarrrrd1) March 7, 2022
Gallo Could Finally See Some Batted Balls Fall And Turn Into Hits
In any case, starting in 2023, shifts will be eliminated, and pitching and defenses will have to find other creative ways to get guys like Gallo out consistently.
Considering Gallo has pulled 48.2 percent of batted balls to his side, he could very well reach excellent numbers in 2023.
Some of his batted balls could finally find their way into some grass, and not opposing players’ gloves.
Now that we mention it, “Joey Gallo for MVP” seems to be a universal sentiment now.
me after winning my joey gallo 2022 mvp bet b/c the shift is banned pic.twitter.com/GTTR24yxGa
— On Deck Report (@OnDeckReport) March 7, 2022
Gallo for MVP may be a feasible bet, just not for 2022, as the rule change would be enforced in 2023.
Still, the rule change has some winners and losers, and Gallo seems to be on the former side.
Joey Gallo MVP in 2023
Book it
— KevinGohD (@KevinGohD) March 7, 2022
He was one of the players who publicly criticized the shift, and now, he’s getting his wish.
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