Zack Gelof considered Oakland A’s best college prospect

For a team such as the Oakland A’s, finding bargains in the MLB Draft can go a long way to setting up the future. Those later round picks can make a difference, especially if a possible first round talent slides back for whatever reason. Such was the case with Zack Gelof.

Gelof had been considered a potential first round pick prior to the 2021 season. Instead, he got off to a slow start, and while he had a strong finish to the season, that led to his falling down the draft board. The A’s ended up selecting Gelof in the third round, handing him a bonus of over $1.1 million to sign.

Zack Gelof considered Oakland A’s top college prospect

It did not take long for Gelof to show that he could be a bargain. He produced an impressive .333/.422/.565 batting line in 161 plate appearances across three levels, hitting seven homers and nine doubles while stealing 13 bases. With that performance, it is easy to see why MLB.com considers Gelof to be the A’s best collegiate prospect.

Although Gelof was able to make his way to Triple-A for a three game stint at the end of 2021, it is unlikely that he will begin the season there. If the A’s want to be aggressive, he could start the 2022 season at Double-A with an eye towards his becoming the long term answer at third should Matt Chapman be traded.

There are questions about Gelof’s future role. There are some that feel he may not move well enough to stick at third, and could end up moving to a corner outfield spot. That may end up being the only thing to hold him back.

The Oakland A’s appear to have a bargain with Zack Gelof. According to MLB.com, he is their best prospect out of the college ranks.