Not Clickbait: Why Joey Gallo is the 2023 AL MVP

The ban on defensive shifts in baseball, set to take effect in 2023, is likely to have a significant impact on the performance of Joey Gallo. As a left-handed power hitter with a pull-heavy approach, Gallo has often been the target of extreme defensive shifts, with three or more infielders playing on one side of the field. These shifts have made it more difficult for Gallo to get hits on balls to hit to the right side of the field, and have limited his overall production at the plate. With the ban on defensive shifts, teams will no longer be able to stack their infielders in this way, which will open up more space for Gallo to hit the ball. This will give him more opportunities to hit singles and doubles, rather than being limited to just home runs. Additionally, the ban will also make it more difficult for teams to defend against Gallo's pull-heavy approach, as they will no longer be able to cheat infielders toward one side of the field. Another benefit for Gallo will be the increased importance of his speed. With fewer infielders on one side of the field, there will be more room for balls to get through the infield. This will create more opportunities for Gallo to beat out grounders for base hits, as well as to take extra bases on hits and fly balls. In addition to these benefits, the ban on defensive shifts will also make it more challenging for teams to defend against Gallo's power. With fewer infielders on one side of the field, there will be more holes to hit through, which will make it easier for Gallo to hit home runs.