Nationals Get Bargain As Joey Gallo Contract Details Emerge

The Washington Nationals are not yet at the stage in which they need three or four impact signings or trade acquisitions to truly compete.

With luck and favorable development of their farm and young stars, that could come next year.

That probably explains their relatively quiet offseason: besides Nick Senzel and Dylan Floro, they hadn’t really added too much talent.

On Tuesday, however, they announced a potentially impactful signing for the middle of their lineup: Joey Gallo.

Nats insider Andrew Golden has some details of the transaction, reported by MLB on FOX.

“The Nationals and Joey Gallo are in agreement on a 1-year, $5M deal, per @andrewcgolden,” they tweeted.

The Nationals and Joey Gallo are in agreement on a 1-year, $5M deal, per @andrewcgolden pic.twitter.com/0nkXxAMmhc

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 23, 2024

Gallo was twice a 40-homer hitter, in 2017 and 2018 with the Texas Rangers.

He also hit 38 in 2021.

If you want power, he will supply it.

Power is often very costly in free agency, but since Gallo comes attached to a very low batting average and a boatload of strikeouts, the Nats were able to get him on a one-year, $5 million pact.

Even with the known weaknesses of Gallo as a hitter, that should be considered a bargain.

In 2023, Gallo played for the Minnesota Twins.

He slashed .177/.301/.440 with 21 home runs 40 RBI and 39 runs scored.

Since he took a considerable number of walks and also hit for a lot of power, his OPS was a decent .741 despite the low batting average.

If Gallo regains his top form and the Nationals are out of it around the deadline, chances are they will flip him to a contender for a prospect or two.

All things considered, he is a nice investment for Washington.

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Nationals Reportedly Land A Top Slugger