3 free agent outfielders the Chicago White Sox should target
By Todd Welter
Chicago might be a city Joey Gallo could be comfortable hitting home runs in.
Cody Bellinger is going to join the Chicago Cubs so you can cross him off the list. Joey Gallo is another former star player the White Sox could sign and try to help resurrect his career.
Gallo is a two-time All-Star and has won two Gold Gloves. While he will never hit for average, he did belt 145 home runs over seven seasons for the Texas Rangers.
He hit just 32 during his time with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. He could not hit in New York as his slash line .159/.291/.368 in a season-and-half in the Bronx. His slash line for the Dodgers was .162/.277/.393.
Gallo is a true three-outcome hitter. He is either going to hit the ball very far, walk, or he will strike out. The Sox already have that in Yasmani Grandal. Gallo can at least play solid defense.
Although, Gallo is a pull hitter who might benefit from the ban on the shift. He is projected to have 103 wRC+ and hit 21 home runs next year.
He does hit the ball hard as evidenced with a 94% hard-hit percentage. He hit .286 at Guaranteed Rate Field last year. Maybe playing in the third biggest market might be the trick for Gallo.
He did not do well in New York or LA but the Southside might be a spot where he could get back to the production he had in Texas.
Gallo can be had for a one-year deal.
Scott Boras said Cody Bellinger and Joey Gallo are likely seeking one-year deals this winter. Said he’s received multi-year offers on Bellinger.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 6, 2022
It would be low risk but a high-reward signing. Also, Gallo’s 19 home runs last season would have had him leading the Chicago White Sox. Adding his left-handed power bat would help the lineup even if Gallo hits under .200.