Zack Gelof Shifts to Third Base as A's Map Out His 2027 Role

September 30, 2026 - 00:55

Zack Gelof spent most of his young career anchored at second base, but the Athletics have other ideas for him going forward. After a rebound season at third base, the club now sees that position as his long term home, and manager Mark Kotsay has been direct about what that means for the 2027 roster.

Gelof's move across the diamond was not simply a stopgap. The A's wanted to see how his athleticism and arm played at the hot corner, and the results convinced the staff that he can handle the demands of the position. Kotsay pointed to Gelof's quick reactions and improved throwing accuracy as reasons the experiment turned into a permanent plan.

The bigger change may have come away from the field. Gelof admitted that his mental approach had grown cluttered during a difficult stretch, and he spent the offseason rebuilding his routine. He stopped chasing results and focused on controlling his at bats, which helped him settle in at the plate and in the field.

For a team in the middle of a rebuild, locking down third base with a player entering his prime matters. Gelof gives the A's a known quantity on the left side of the infield, and his willingness to adapt suggests he will keep finding ways to stay in the lineup.