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Five things to know about the Rangers calling up super-slugger Joey Gallo

Chris Cwik
·Staff writer

The future is now for the Texas Rangers. With Adrian Beltre set to miss at least two weeks due to a finger injury, the club has called up 21-year-old super-slugger Joey Gallo.

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Gallo is considered not only the team's top prospect, but one of the best young players in the game. Baseball America ranked Gallo sixth on their top 100 list coming into the season.

Because of that, there's plenty of reason for excitement surrounding his promotion. With that in mind, here are five things to know about the young slugger.

1. HE HAS STUPID POWER

On the 20-80 scouting scale, Gallo has 80 raw power. That incredible pop has been around since before Gallo even joined the majors. He set a Nevada state record with 65 homers in high school, and then set another with 18 blasts in the Arizona Fall League shortly after signing with the Rangers. He hasn't stopped there. Over his minor-league career, Gallo owns a .268/.382/.628 slash line over four seasons. He's hit an incredible 113 home runs during that period.

Tales of Gallo's power have become the talk of legend, and have inspired scouts to say things like this:

Yeah, the guy can hit bombs.

2. WITH GREAT POWER COMES ... A LOT OF STRIKEOUTS

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Like most sluggers, Gallo's power comes with a fair amount of strikeouts. This season, Gallo is striking out in 33.6 percent of his Double-A plate appearances. Only three players in the majors have struck out at a higher rate this season. That 33.6 percent mark is actually an improvement for Gallo, who struck out in 39.5 percent of his Double-A plate appearances last season. Strikeout rate isn't a thing that tends to get better as a hitter moves up, so that's a legitimate concern facing Gallo in the majors. When he makes contact, watch out. When he doesn't, enjoy the cool breeze.

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3. HE MIGHT NOT BE LONG FOR THE MAJORS

Given the circumstances surrounding Gallo's promotion, he may find himself back in the majors soon. That's not a bad thing. Gallo is making the jump straight from Double-A, and, given his approach, could get eaten up by major-league pitchers in his first taste of the majors. Though his numbers may suffer, the experience might be the best thing for Gallo's development. There's no pressure on him to produce right now, and he can get a look at how major-league hitters will exploit his approach. Once he's sent down, he can work on making the necessary adjustments so he's ready next time he gets the call.

4. HE'S A HIGH RISK PROSPECT WITH AN INCREDIBLE CEILING

If everything clicks into place, Gallo could turn into an MVP candidate, according to Baseball America. Few players have this type of power, so any improvement in his contact would result in an exceptional player. If he can't make those adjustments, Gallo could still settle in as a low-average, high pop player. He may struggle to hit .240, but he'll provide 30+ bombs a season. There's certainly value in a Chris Davis/Mark Reynolds type, but there's potential for a whole lot more.

5. HE MAY NOT STICK AT THIRD BASE

While Gallo will likely play third with Beltre sidelined, it's unclear whether he'll stay at that position long-term. Gallo is listed a 6-5, a few players that large are able to play third in the majors. He's regarded as a strong athlete, however, making some scouts optimistic that he can get by at the position for at least a few seasons. Gallo has some experience at first base and in the outfield, and would likely end up in either of those spots if he can't handle third. His bat will play anywhere, but will have more value at the hot corner. This brief taste of the majors should give the Rangers an idea of whether Gallo has what it takes to remain at the position for now.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik