There are some statements that sound like jokes… but they reflect a lot of truth.
When asked about the possibility of renewing his contract, Zack Gelof laughed and replied:
“After the past year and a half, I wouldn’t offer myself a contract extension.”
A self-deprecating remark. But also the most honest admission of his current position within the A’s organization.
Two years ago, Gelof was the face featured in the Las Vegas course rendering. He exploded in 2023 with a .267 average, 14 home runs, and 14 steals in just 69 games. Energy, speed, power — a true modern second baseman.
The future seemed already written.
Then everything went wrong.
In 2024, his strikeout rate skyrocketed to 34.4% (among the worst in the league). His batting average dropped to .211, and his OBP to .270. Despite still having 17 home runs and 25 steals, wRC+ only had 82.
And 2025 was even tougher.
A hamate injury during spring training caused him to miss the start of the season. Upon his return, his performance was never consistent. Only 30 games played, averaging .174, OBP .230, strikeout rate 45.5%. wRC+ 36.
From hope, he became a question mark.
A dislocated shoulder at the end of September further clouded things. As the A’s entered the offseason, they couldn’t wait for an uncertain resurgence. Jeff McNeil was traded in — a stable, veteran, low-risk second baseman.
And Gelof’s position… was no longer guaranteed.
Before Spring Training officially began, Gelof stated: “Feeling good. Ready to play.” He would report on Friday. But he also admitted he wouldn’t be participating in the WBC because he wasn’t yet able to play full games.
That’s not a sign of a player at the peak of his fitness.
And that’s what makes the 2026 season so important.
No more default second-base position. No more “rising talent” narrative. No more endless patience.
The biggest question isn’t whether he’s fit.
But: How will A’s use him?
Keep him second-base to simplify finding his swing again? Experiment with third-base in minors? Or turn him into a utility option?
At 26, Gelof is no longer a young prospect. He’s entering a phase where MLB demands stability over potential.
And that’s why the joke about a contract extension sounds like a realistic signal.
Gelof understands he needs to prove himself again.
Not just to reclaim his position.
But to prove that 2023 wasn’t an exception.
This year’s Spring Training isn’t about hype. Not about rendering Las Vegas. Not about contract renewals like Soderstrom or Wilson.
It’s about survival.
As are trying to keep their young core. But they’re also becoming more realistic. And in a roster aiming for Wild Card, no one is guaranteed a spot just because of their past.
Gelof says he feels ready.
But ready for what?
A new role? A roster battle? Or a last chance to return to being the face the organization once trusted?
This spring, perhaps no one is under more silent pressure than Zack Gelof.
And sometimes, self-deprecating humor is the most serious warning. ⚡
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