Infamous ex-Yankees hitter lands deal with NL team

Aug 14, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a New York Yankees hat and glove on the bench against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

One of New York’s least favorite players is back on the East Coast.

Andrew Golden of the Washington Post reported on Tuesday that veteran slugger Joey Gallo has agreed to a free-agent deal with the Washington Nationals. He will get a one-year contract from the Nats, Golden adds.

Gallo, 30, has some good stuff on his resume. He was a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover for the Texas Rangers. Gallo also produced back-to-back seasons of 40 home runs in 2017 and 2018. But Gallo’s reputation cratered thanks to a disastrous stint with the New York Yankees from 2021-22. Gallo hit a repulsive .159 in his Yankees career and was open about the hatred that he received from fans of the team.

The lefty batter Gallo has not fared much better since leaving New York, most recently hitting .177 in 111 games last season for the Minnesota Twins (albeit with 20 homers). The risk is low though for the Nats on a one-year deal, and Gallo may help replace the bat that Washington just lost in free agency to Cincinnati this offseason.