Injury-riddled '25 has Gelof embracing versatility, potential outfield role

MESA, Ariz. -- When the Athletics traded for second baseman Jeff McNeil this offseason, the move could have been viewed as an indictment on Zack Gelof, who has struggled to regain the form he showed in a breakout 2023 campaign, with a down year in ‘24 and an injury-riddled ‘25.

McNeil is expected to be the everyday second baseman for the A’s, but that does not close the door on Gelof’s opportunity to contribute. On the first day of full-squad workouts at Lew Wolff Training Complex on Monday, Gelof got his usual reps in at second base.

Then, during batting practice, the 26-year-old ventured out to center field, a spot manager Mark Kotsay said Gelof could get a look at this spring.

“I do think Zack can play the outfield,” Kotsay said. “We’ve seen Zack be a plus defender. ... There could be a role that exists on this club where Zack is on the roster.”

Gelof is aware of where he stands. Three years ago, he was a key player in the A’s rebuild that many felt could emerge as a future star. Since then, his production as a big leaguer has curtailed -- some of that could be due to various injuries -- while others such as Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler have ascended to form a talented young core intent on competing for the playoffs in 2026.

The A’s have not given up hope on Gelof still being a big part of that group and an everyday player. For this season, at least to start out, his best path to success might exist in somewhat of a utility role.

What does that role look like? Taking advantage of Gelof's defense, which has always been superb at second base even as he’s gone through struggles at the plate. Speed on the bases is another asset, as Gelof stole 25 bases and was caught stealing just three times in 2024. Gelof is also a right-handed hitter, which could complement the left-handed-hitting McNeil in a semi-platoon.

“There’s a role on this roster for that,” Kotsay said. “Especially when you look forward to possibly creating matchups at the end of the game. Whether it’s to pinch-run with speed and then as a defensive replacement to improve the defense, all those things will be evaluated throughout the next six weeks.”

Three injuries -- a right hamate fracture, a stress reaction in his ribs and a season-ending left shoulder dislocation -- limited Gelof to just 30 Major League games last season. He diligently worked at his rehab from the shoulder issue over the winter to put himself in as good a spot as possible entering Spring Training, and while he may get a late start on game action, Gelof is essentially free of limitations, able to field ground balls and throw. The last step is to go through his swing progression, which he continues to build up as camp gets underway.

From an offensive standpoint, Gelof has worked on the mechanics of his swing, looking to make it “a little bit more level” as it was in 2023, when he hit .267 with an .841 OPS, 14 home runs and 20 doubles in 69 games as a rookie.

“It was pretty steep last year and before that,” Gelof said of his swing. “Could’ve been due to injury. But I’m trying to get that flatter, back to what it was in 2023 and 2022. I’m just trying to be simple, be ready to go and hit line drives all over the field.”

Drafted as a third baseman, Gelof has only played outfield once as a professional -- a full nine-inning game in center field for Double-A Midland in 2022. He’s dusted off that outfield glove and brought it with him to camp, willing to play outfield or wherever else he’s asked.

“With how the last two years have gone, I definitely want to lean into my athleticism,” Gelof said. “Be the best baserunner on the team. Defensively, bring that aspect. I know I can hit, but the bare minimum is being a winning player. That’s what I bring. I need to bring that to this team, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

Gelof expects to be ready for the start of the season. To make the Opening Day roster, however, he must put the frustrations of the past two years behind him and earn a spot with a strong spring.

“You put last year behind you if you’re Zack,” Kotsay said. “He’s done a lot of great things this offseason. … From my standpoint, he looks like he’s put the right work in this year to come back and be the player that he was and that we all expect him to be.”