Gelof enters camp a little later than planned after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder late last season. Gelof is somewhat delayed in his offensive progress, but Martin Gallegos of MLB.com writes that he can fully participate in defensive exercises. He not only takes those at second base, but also those in center field to prepare for a potential utility role. Manager Mark Kotsay said Gelof could see outfield work in games this spring.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played anywhere other than second base in a Major League game. Gelof has logged over 2,000 innings in 237 MLB appearances at the cornerstone position and is rated as a slightly above-average defenseman. The only other position where he has any significant experience is third base. He played hot corner at the University of Virginia and in the minor leagues during his freshman year. He didn’t play the outfield at all in college and has nine innings there as a pro – one Double-A game as a center fielder in 2022.
Gelof is a good athlete and an above-average runner. The A’s won’t be able to tell how his instincts and insights will play in the outfield without him getting reps there. Spring Training is the best time to experiment with different roles. It would certainly be a big help to Gelof’s chances of making the roster if he is able to build defensive versatility. Most teams only have four position players on the bench to maximize a thirteen-man pitching staff. Using one of those roster spots for a player who only plays second base isn’t ideal. Gelof has a few minor league options and would return to Triple-A Las Vegas if he doesn’t break camp.
The A’s have Tyler Soderstrom And Laurens Butler in the corner outfield. They will probably give Denzel Clarke the first chance in midfield. Clarke is a phenomenal defender, but has huge strikeouts, so the A’s may not want to live with that trade-off all season. Belof likely won’t push Clarke for daily playing time at center. He’s just a year removed from leading the American League in strikeouts, and he almost certainly won’t defend at the same level as Clarke. There is an opening for a fourth outfielder, while Gelof’s old third base position is also up for grabs in camp. Claim for remission Andy Ibanez joins the remains Max Muncy, Brett Harris And Darell Hernaiz in that mixture.
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