Zack Gelof's Future with the A's: A Spring Training Shake-Up? The Oakland Athletics have made a significant move, acquiring veteran Jeff McNeil, which has effectively reshaped their infield plans. This acquisition has created a bit of a puzzle for Zack Gelof, a promising young player who had a dazzling half-season as a rookie in 2023. While Gelof has shown flashes of brilliance, he's also faced challenges with strikeouts and injuries in the past couple of years. Now, with McNeil set to be the regular at second base, Gelof's path to the starting lineup has become less clear.
Gelof is entering spring training a little behind due to surgery for a dislocated left shoulder at the end of last season. While he's still ramping up his offensive game, he's cleared to participate fully in defensive drills. And here's where it gets interesting: he's not just taking reps at his usual second base position, but also in center field! Manager Mark Kotsay has indicated that Gelof might even see action in the outfield during spring training games. This move suggests the A's are exploring a potential utility role for him.
But here's the part most people miss: Gelof has spent his entire major league career at second base, accumulating over 2,000 innings and earning a reputation as a slightly above-average defender. His only other significant experience comes from third base, a position he played in college and during his early minor league days. He has virtually no professional outfield experience – just a nine-inning stint in center field at Double-A in 2022. So, how will his natural athleticism and speed translate to the outfield, where instincts and reads are crucial?
Spring Training is the perfect laboratory for these kinds of experiments. If Gelof can prove he's capable of playing multiple positions, it would significantly boost his chances of making the Opening Day roster. In today's game, with teams often carrying only four bench players to accommodate a larger pitching staff, a versatile player is invaluable. A player who can only play one position, especially if that position is already solidified, might not be the most efficient use of a precious roster spot. Gelof does have minor league options remaining, meaning he could start the season in Triple-A Las Vegas if he doesn't secure a big league role.
And this is the part that might spark some debate: The A's already have Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler in the corner outfield spots. They're also likely to give Denzel Clarke a look in center field. Clarke is a fantastic defender, but his strikeout rates are quite high. While Gelof isn't expected to unseat Clarke for everyday center field duties – he himself struggled with strikeouts in the past and likely won't match Clarke's defensive prowess – his versatility could open up a spot for a fourth outfielder. Meanwhile, Gelof's former position at third base is also up for grabs, with waiver claim Andy Ibáñez competing against holdovers Max Muncy, Brett Harris, and Darell Hernaiz.
What do you think? Is shifting Gelof to the outfield a smart strategic move by the A's, or is it a risky experiment that could detract from his development at his natural position? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
