Magallanes had a long minor league career including some time with the farm systems of the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Arizona Diamondbacks. While with the Kinston Indians, Magallanes earned a spot on the 1988 Carolina League all-star squad.
He made the majors in 1991 with Cleveland. He saw action in three games as a shortstop. He compiled a walk and a .000 batting average in three plate appearances.
Magallanes was the manager of the AZL Angels in 2006 and replaced younger brother Bobby Magallanes as manager of the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2007. He now manages the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the class 'A' California League.