Joey Gallo’s $8 million option declined by Nationals in favor of $2.5 million buyout

By The Associated Press

FILE - Washington Nationals' Joey Gallo in action during a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nick Wass]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joey Gallo’s $8 million mutual option has been declined by the Washington Nationals, making the first baseman/outfielder a free agent. Gallo receives a $2.5 million buyout as part of the deal he agreed to in January that called for a $2.5 million salary this year. Gallo, who turns 31 on Nov. 19, hit .161 with 10 homers, 27 RBIs and 102 strikeouts in 223 at-bats. A two-time All-Star, Gallo has a .194 career average with 208 homers, 453 RBIs and 1,292 strikeouts in 2,869 at-bats in 10 major league seasons.