The Nationals head into 2024 with higher expectations after Washington went 35-37 in the second half. Per reports, the Washington Nationals are expected to add Joey Gallo to their roster, in a move that will give the Nats an enigmatic, yet much-needed left-handed power bat for 2024. Here’s a closer look at Gallo.
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A Look at Gallo
After rocky stints with the Yankees and Dodgers in 2021-22, veteran 1B/OF Joey Gallo landed in Minnesota last offseason on a one-year deal with the Twins. Some of Gallo’s numbers on paper (.177 AVG. .741 OPS over 111 G) from last season weren’t impressive at first glance but he did get somewhat back on track.
Sure, the strikeouts were a problem for Gallo — and don’t expect that to change. The 30-year-old struck out 42.8% of the time in 2023 and posted a sky-high Whiff% of 44.3%. On the other hand, Gallo did walk 14.5% of the time and posted his best OPS (.741) and home run (21) totals in two years.
Gallo’s tools are well-known at this point. A below-average to average runner with premier arm strength, Gallo’s two best tools are his plate discipline and plus-plus power.
He doesn’t chase a whole lot, hence why Gallo walks so much. However, his propensity to pull baseballs and sell out to fastballs has led to a ton of strikeouts throughout his career.
From 2018-23, Gallo’s 918 total strikeouts are second-most in the Majors behind only Eugenio Suarez, who had almost 1,000 more PA in that stretch. Still, his power and defensive versatility served a purpose on a Twins team last season that had 12 players hit double-digits in home runs.
Per the Washington Post, Joey Gallo is set to sign a one-year, $5MM deal with the Nationals, and he could receive an additional $1MM in possible performance bonuses.
Analysis
It’s not a shock to see the Nationals target left-handed hitting before the start of Spring Training. Last season, left-handed Nationals hitters posted just a 94 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, 25th in the league.
The Nats do have switch-hitter Keibert Ruiz, as well as left-handed hitting infielders Jake Alu, Luis Garcia, and CJ Abrams on the roster at this moment. However, arguably the Nationals’ best option from the left side in 2023, switch-hitter Jeimer Candelario, hasn’t been on the roster since being traded last summer.
Left-handed hitting prospects James Wood and Robert Hassell III may get their first look at the Majors in 2024. But, Gallo is a more established name and one that teams know what to expect of him.
Gallo should provide more of a punch in the power category than Dominic Smith, and the new National may likely see time both at first and the outfield. Yes, the strikeout and contact problems are a concern. However, if Gallo can get on base regularly, that can be tolerated.