School: University of Virginia; Class: Junior
Position: 3B; B/T: R/R
Height: 6-1; Weight: 198
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: IMG Academy
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45 | 60 | 35 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Background: The University of Virginia’s no stranger to developing (A) high end draft talent and (B) infielder’s named Gelof. Since 2014, the ACC powerhouse has churned out nine first round picks and five second round selections. The most recent second rounder, of course, was Zack Gelof, a sweet-swinging third baseman taken by the Athletics who reached Triple-A during his first professional season.
Two years after leaving the Cavaliers, there’s another Gelof, who also happens to be a sweet-swinging third baseman.
Jake Gelof, Zack’s younger brother, has taken a similar approach to offensive production during his collegiate career. After hitting a solid, yet uninspiring .252/.336/.469 as a true freshman, the younger Gelof broke out in a massive way during his sophomore campaign: he mashed .377/.477/.764 with 15 doubles, two triples, 21 homeruns, and a trio of stolen bases.
After a quick – and rather miserable jaunt through the Cape Cod League – Gelof returned to Virginia for his final season. Through 65 games, the 6-foot-1, 198-pound infielder slugged .321/.427/.710 with career highs in doubles (23), triples (three), and homeruns (23).
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, there have been seven instances in which an ACC hitter batted at least .310/.410/.700 with 20 or more homeruns in a season (min. 250 PA). Jake Gelof is the only one to accomplish it twice.
The immediate comparison – fairly or unfairly – is going to be made between the Gelof brothers. But they own two completely different offensive profiles. Jake possesses far more punch at the dish than his older brother, continually showcasing above-average in-game thump. The younger Gelof displays a powerful swing, easily turning on inside pitches and driving the ball a long way. He has a history of strong contact and plate discipline, but he tends to chase the high strike. The swing can get long at times. The profiles plays at any position on the diamond.
Ceiling: 2.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: First Round
