Joey Gallo gets the call in Texas
We can say two things with absolute certainty about Texas third base prospect Joey Gallo. First of all, he strikes out at an insane rate — 179 Ks last season, 172 in 2013. So far this year, the 21-year-old has whiffed 49 times in 146 plate appearances for Double-A Frisco. Not great.
But let’s get to the second thing you need to understand: Gallo’s power is obscene. Almost unrivaled. We’re talking serious, monstrous country power.
Like, this sort of thing happens in BP…
Crazy power.
Gallo has hit nine bombs so far this year while slashing .314/.425/.636. He cleared the fence 42 times across two minor league levels last year, and 40 times the prior season.
On Monday, we learned that Gallo will join the big league club for Tuesday’s game with the White Sox, skipping Triple-A entirely. The Rangers have an immediate need, because Adrian Beltre is headed to the DL with a dislocated left thumb. Rough news for Beltre, but still exciting times for Texas fans.
I don’t think Gallo is a must-add in fantasy so much as he’s a fun add — the sort of player where maybe you want a share in mixed leagues, because we’ll all be watching. There’s a decent chance that Gallo’s 2015 fantasy value is peaking right now, today, and you should deal him if you won the race to the waiver wire.
But hey, if you need a bump in the power categories, Gallo is also a terrific lottery ticket. Again, the ceiling here is very high. There’s so much swing-and-miss in his game, however, that I wouldn’t rely on Gallo helping in a substantial way in the near term … but I’d love to be wrong. This should be fun. Enjoy responsibly.
