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3 prospects that could debut with Oakland A’s in 2023

By David Hill

AMARILLO, TEXAS - APRIL 08: Infielder Zack Gelof #18 of the Midland RockHounds high fives manager Bobby Crosby #7 after hitting a home run during the game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles at HODGETOWN Stadium on April 08, 2022 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
AMARILLO, TEXAS - APRIL 08: Infielder Zack Gelof #18 of the Midland RockHounds high fives manager Bobby Crosby #7 after hitting a home run during the game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles at HODGETOWN Stadium on April 08, 2022 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s are only going to go as far as their prospects will take them.

That is going to be the case for the near future at the very least. Payroll has been slashed to laughable levels. As it is, the A’s do not have a single player with a guaranteed salary for 2023. Even then, several players that have entered arbitration are likely to be traded or let go.

Three possible debuts for Oakland A’s in 2023

This will mean that many more players get a look next year. As it was, 64 players appeared in at least one game in 2022, a number that the 2023 roster may approach. Prospects are going to get their chances, as are players who have spent their careers as minor league filler. Quad-A players will get a chance to show that they can be a part of the answer. And in some cases, the A’s might even be able to find pieces for their future core.

The Oakland A’s are going to give plenty of players a look in 2023. Let’s check out three prospects likely to debut in the coming year.

Zack Gelof

If not for injuries, it was possible that Zack Gelof would have made his Oakland A’s debut in 2022.

He had torn the labrum in his non throwing shoulder, missing approximately a month and a half as he recovered. That was the only thing slowing his bat down as Gelof was hitting well at Double-A, a promotion to Las Vegas seemingly inevitable. As it was, he got another brief stint in Triple-A at the end of the season, making Las Vegas his likely home to begin the 2023 campaign.

It may not take long before Gelof makes his major league debut. He had posted a .270/.352/.463 batting line in his 440 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 18 homers and 17 doubles while stealing ten bases. Gelof is giving every indication of being a solid all around option, someone who may outperform his scouting reports.

He has also expanded his defensive repertoire, helping to accelerate that timeline. Gelof saw action at second base for the first time in his professional career, getting 62 games at the keystone. As second and third both have openings, he will get chances to prove that he is the answer.

Zack Gelof is going to be a key part of the Oakland A’s future. His time could come early in 2023.