Jake Gelof is a promising young infield prospect within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Hailing from Delaware, Gelof first made his mark on the baseball scene while playing for Cape Henlopen High School. His talent on the field earned him Academic All-Conference honors and recognition as Perfect Game’s top-ranked overall baseball player and the No. 1 shortstop in Delaware’s class of 2020.
Seeking to further hone his skills, Gelof transferred to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for his final two years of high school. The move proved beneficial as he continued to develop as a player.
Following his high school graduation, Gelof made the decision to attend the University of Virginia. While studying Media Studies, he also secured a starting spot at first base for the university’s baseball team.
In the 2023 MLB Draft, Gelof was chosen by the Dodgers as the 60th overall pick and signed with the team for a $1,334,400 signing bonus. He quickly made his mark in the minor leagues, moving from the Arizona Complex League Dodgers to the Class-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and eventually playing for the Great Lakes Loons at the High-A level in 2025.
While Gelof has yet to make his debut in the majors, he is currently participating in the World Baseball Classic, representing Team Israel. His eligibility to play for Israel stems from his Jewish heritage, as he was raised in a Jewish household and attended Hebrew school.
Under Israel’s “Law of Return,” individuals with at least one Jewish parent or grandparent are eligible for citizenship. This law also allows players like Gelof, who may not have active citizenship at the time of the tournament, to represent the nation in international competitions like the World Baseball Classic.
Gelof’s inclusion on Team Israel’s roster highlights the diverse backgrounds of players in the tournament. Other US-based players, such as Harrison Bader and Garrett Stubbs, have also utilized the Law of Return to become eligible for international competitions.
As Gelof continues to showcase his talent on the field, his participation in the World Baseball Classic serves as a testament to the global reach of the sport and the unique pathways that players can take to represent their heritage on the international stage.
