Despite coming off his least impressive major-league season, the Minnesota Twins have long had an interest in Joey Gallo, attempting to acquire him on multiple occasions throughout his career.
A Twins executive noted that “the upside is tremendous,” suggesting the team will make every effort to integrate Gallo into their lineup, potentially including his first extended stint at first base since 2018. (Gallo had a brief appearance at first base with the Dodgers last season.)
According to The Athletic:
“Joey Gallo is expected to see considerable time at first base, especially if Alex Kirilloff struggles to return to form after his season-ending wrist surgeries in 2021 and 2022. Although Gallo is a two-time Gold Glove-winning corner outfielder, which is where the Twins ideally want him, he also has experience at first base from his early days with the Rangers and is regarded as very capable in that position as well.”
Gallo posted a .160/.257/.380 line with 19 home runs, 47 RBI, and 163 strikeouts in 410 plate appearances between the Yankees and Dodgers. He struck out 106 times in 233 at-bats with the Yankees before being benched and traded to Los Angeles, where his performance did not improve. He now faces a fresh start with the Twins.
The Twins also acquired right-handed pitching prospect Clayton Beeter, a 2020 second-round pick who was Los Angeles’ No. 15 overall prospect according to Baseball America and MLB Pipeline. At 23, Beeter is expected to serve as a relief pitcher.
“I take pride in being able to do a lot of different things on the field,” Gallo said upon signing a one-year, $11 million contract. “It’s important to bring more to the game than just being an offensive profile. As long as I’m young and athletic, I’m going to strive to be the best I can on the field and as an athlete.
“I always loved playing here. I have fond memories … I appreciate the fan base and have always enjoyed playing here. It’s clear that they wanted me, and that’s all you can ask for, to be wanted by a team.”