Former Wahoo Jake Gelof inks official contract with Dodgers

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Former Virginia star third baseman Jake Gelof has officially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

UVA’s all-time home run king inked a contract on Thursday worth $1,334,400 as the Dodgers’ second pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. He was the 60th overall selection in the draft.

Where Gelof will be assigned is to be determined, although the L.A. management is delighted to have Gelof on board.

“First off, he loves to play. And you notice that right off the bat,” said Dodgers vice president of amateur scouting Bill Gasparino. “He’s a very outgoing player. He loves the game. He’s very instinctual. We love his timing to hit. And then yeah, he has 70 (grade) raw power to go with that.”

An aggressive hitter, Gelof’s average bat exit speed is 91 miles per hour, which reaches up to 107 mph in exit velocity. Some scouts have reported that Gelof is a bit pull-happy, but has enough power to easily go to the opposite field.

There is some debate on whether to keep him at third base or possibly move him to first or right field. He has excellent arm strength.

Pen to paper for 2nd rounder @JakeGelof! Congrats! #GoHoos | #ProHoos pic.twitter.com/jmplb4kicf

— Virginia Baseball (@UVABaseball) July 20, 2023