When the Texas Rangers entered this season the expectations were high. With the addition of Prince Fielder, many thought that Texas was not only going to win the West, but also make a run at the first World Series title in franchise history. But with injuries abound to both the pitching staff and Prince Fielder, the club has slipped into the dark depths of last place, even below the lowly Houston Astros. With the worst record in baseball it is hard to find many bright spots in the organization.
But during Sunday’s futures game top prospect Joey Gallo was on display and he did not disappoint. After launching a Texas-sized home run 421-feet into the Target Field bleachers to give Team USA the victory, Gallo was named Future’s game MVP. He joined players like Alfonso Soriano, Jose Reyes, and Billy Butler by winning the award.
The big time power he showed was nothing new. At the midway point of this season Gallo has already slugged 31 home runs, tying him with Chicago Cubs top prospect Kris Bryant for the minor league lead. Although he is just 20 years old, Gallo has already worked his way all the way up to AA. He was drafted in 2012 and has already launched 93 career home runs.
If there is a downside to Gallo’s game it his his strikeouts. While he draws walks, Gallo also strikes out at an alarming rate. Through his first 255 games, he has struck out 363 times. If he his going to be a consistent major leaguer these numbers need to improve.
With questions about Prince Fielder’s future swirling around the organization and an organization that is struggling to even compete this season, a player with Gallo’s power brings hope for the future. The Rangers who last competed in a World Series were known for power. When Gallo arrives, he will bring that identity back to the center of the Rangers lineup.
Statistics Provided By: Baseball Reference
Photo Credit: Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports
