The first memory Joey Gallo has of David Dahl is from 2011 in Cary, N.C., he recalled on Rangers Winter Caravan Chat on Facebook Live on Wednesday.
Dahl was not yet an elite prospect, but Gallo was impressed with what he saw at their first Team USA camp and called him an “absolute stud.”
Gallo and Dahl ended up at many of the same showcases and both eventually made Team USA’s 18-and-under squad. That team won a gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Championships in Colombia. Both players went on to be picked in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Dahl was selected by the Rockies at No. 10 overall; Gallo by the Rangers at No. 39 (a supplemental first-round pick). The two have kept in touch through the years, each becoming an MLB All-Star in 2019.
“We actually talk a lot throughout the season,” Gallo said. “Just talking about hitting and about baseball, and just talking about life and whatever. So as soon as he was able to be a free agent, I was one of the first guys to text him and try to get him over here.”
“It's rare to get a player of his caliber, at his age (26), for the price that you're getting it,” Gallo said. “Obviously, I know he's a fantastic player. I know he's a great guy, and I think he fits in really well with the team. He's the perfect fit. And [the Rangers] ended up getting the deal done, so I was very happy about that.”
Dahl has a special connection to the Rangers, too. On Opening Day 2020, he had the first strikeout, hit and extra-base hit in the newly opened Globe Life Field. He had all three hits for the Rockies in their 1-0 loss.
“I got a lot of firsts there,” Dahl said. “It's very cool and it's a special thing to have. And now that I'm on the Rangers, it's definitely awesome how it worked out. I love the ballpark. I thought it was a good place in terms of seeing the ball.”
Dahl struggled in the shortened 2020 season after that first weekend, however, playing in just 24 games and slashing .183/.222/.247 with no home runs and nine RBIs. He also struggled with injuries, spending time on the IL with lower back soreness and a right shoulder strain.
Dahl is hoping to regain his form in 2021 and complement the outfield with Gallo and center fielder Leody Taveras. Both Gallo, who won his first Gold Glove in 2020, and Dahl believe they can have one of the best defensive units in MLB.
“I had a little shoulder cleanup early in the offseason, but progressions are going really well swinging, throwing and doing all that,” Dahl said. “So, my plan is to be a full go on the first day of Spring Training and that's what the progressions are showing. I'm feeling great and ready to get this thing started.”