BREAKING: Young A’s star Gelof reveals three MLB players he tries to emulate
Since his call-up from Triple-A Las Vegas last July, Zack Gelof has quickly established himself as one of MLB’s most promising young talents and a key asset for the Athletics organization.
To further his development and ascend in the league, the 24-year-old second baseman looks up to certain players and integrates elements of their game into his own.
During a recent conversation with Brodie Brazil on “All A’s” by NBC Sports California, Gelof revealed three MLB players he strives to emulate.
“For me, I’ve really focused on modeling my game after three guys: DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees, Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers, and Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies.”
Gelof’s selection of these active players as his role models is logical, given that all three excel as top-tier infielders.
LeMahieu, Semien, and Turner boast a combined total of seven MLB All-Star selections and five Silver Slugger awards, establishing themselves as elite two-way players in the sport. Their consistent excellence serves as a continual source of inspiration for Gelof as he seeks to refine his skills and make his mark in the league.
Gelof elaborated on the specific attributes of each of his role models, highlighting DJ LeMahieu’s exceptional hitting ability and defensive prowess as a tall infielder who has earned a Gold Glove. He also praised Marcus Semien’s consistency and improvement over time, especially noting Semien’s status as a former Athletic and his recent success as a World Series champion. Gelof admires Trea Turner for his smoothness on the field, recognizing that he performs at his best when he feels loose and athletic, a quality he seeks to emulate.
These three stars have had a significant impact on Gelof, who himself was named AL Rookie of the Month last August after an impressive performance at the plate. Among them, Semien holds a special place for Gelof as an Oakland icon and a predecessor, admiring Semien’s dedication and ability to show up consistently for games, a quality Gelof aspires to replicate in his own career.
Semien’s remarkable durability, apart from the 2017 season when he was sidelined due to injury, where he played in 97 percent of regular-season games, serves as a benchmark for Gelof’s aspirations. As Gelof embarks on his first full MLB season, he aims to emulate Semien’s reliability by being available for his team day in and day out.
Despite Gelof’s initial struggles in the 2024 MLB season with a .261 OBP, his determination and the influence of his idols suggest that he will bounce back and establish himself as an everyday player for years to come. With his strong work ethic and the guidance of his role models, Gelof is poised to overcome challenges and continue his development in the league.