Texas Rangers Joey Gallo: Back in the Majors

By Brad Kelly | May 23, 2016

Mar 11, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Joey Gallo (13) in the first inning during a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Joey Gallo has been promoted again by the Texas Rangers. Should fantasy owners once again make the stud prospect a must add off the waiver wire?

The Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners looks to be in a dog fight for the division crown. With the Rangers only 1.5 games out, they cannot afford their recent rash of injuries to slow their pursuit. Thus, the reasoning behind their recent decision to promote stud prospect, Joey Gallo.

Shin-Soo Choo and Drew Stubbs went on the DL today, and the news that Josh Hamilton will be out for the rest of the season further clouds the OF picture for Texas. Oddly enough Gallo has not played in the OF in the minors this season, but he will surely get starting time in left field at the big league level.

When Joey Gallo was promoted last year, his pros and cons were as advertised. His power is prestigious, and the K rate was sky high, but it seems as though that is the player that he will be. At the Triple-A level this season he has a season line of, .265 AVG/8 HR/20 RBI/1.054 OPS. He has 24 K and 22 BB, which is clearly encouraging, but he also missed three weeks with a groin injury.

More from Fantasy Baseball

Gallo’s skill has been well documented, he has at least 20+ HR in each of his minor league seasons, but it has just been a matter of him being blocked from consistent playing time at the big league level and his strikeout tendencies. People also tend to forget that he is only 22-years-old as well, so the sky is still the limit.

Adding Joey Gallo is almost a must, due to the upside alone, but fantasy owners have to be well aware of the weekly AVG drain. When inserted in the lineup, one would think that Gallo would be added near the middle of the order for the Rangers, so the counting stat potential is also there and the Rangers ballpark remains a left handed hitter’s dream.

Next: Sonny Gray Hits the D.L.

One other interesting thing to note, is that Joey Gallo has been taking reps at first base. So with Prince Fielder and Mitch Moreland failing to get going at the plate, Gallo could force himself into even more at bats if he can get off to a fast start. Fantasy owners need to make Gallo a must add, as he possesses as much upside as anyone currently on the waiver wire, so make the move before other fantasy owners start to add him off name recognition alone.

Home/Fantasy Baseball