Yankees quietly add a power-hitting right-handed infield backup

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As Opening Day approaches, the New York Yankees continue sharpening their roster edges beyond the spotlight players. Their latest strategic move brings Jake Gatewood, a 28-year-old right-handed power hitter, to the organization on a minor league contract, adding a versatile corner infielder with significant slugging potential.

Gatewood, whose career path has wound through MLB affiliates, Mexican League competition, and independent baseball circuits in recent years, is positioned to provide immediate depth at third base. This addition gains importance as Oswaldo Cabrera steps into expanded responsibilities and the team manages early-season health concerns, including those affecting Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu.

A power bat with pop across multiple leagues

While Gatewood may lack mainstream recognition, his batting statistics tell an impressive story — particularly in independent baseball. Throughout the past four seasons, he’s launched an eye-catching 98 home runs across 465 games, demonstrating a consistent ability to drive the ball with authority.

Gatewood’s most recent performance came with the Atlantic League’s Gastonia Ghost Peppers in 2024, where his offensive production soared. He compiled a .295 batting average, a .395 on-base percentage, and a .607 slugging percentage through 118 games. His season total of 33 home runs and 121 RBIs placed him among the league’s premier offensive talents.

2024 Atlantic League Stats (Gastonia): AVG: .295 | OBP: .395 | SLG: .607 | HR: 33 | RBI: 121

Before joining Gastonia, Gatewood competed in the Mexican League during 2023, following his 2022 stint with the Los Angeles Angels’ Triple-A affiliate. That Triple-A campaign showcased his power potential (18 HR) despite challenges with consistency and plate discipline, reflected in his .211 average and elevated strikeout numbers.

Yankees get a bat and glove with first-round pedigree

Selected 41st overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2014 draft, Gatewood has navigated an unconventional career trajectory across minor leagues, international competition, and independent baseball. His defensive versatility spans both corner infield positions—third base and first base—with additional experience in outfield assignments.

Though absent from affiliated baseball since 2022, the Yankees‘ interest suggests they’ve identified sufficient development in his recent performance to merit investment. Gatewood represents a classic low-risk acquisition with potentially high rewards—providing organizational depth at Triple-A while possibly earning consideration for major league opportunities depending on team circumstances.

With DJ LeMahieu (calf) currently sidelined and Giancarlo Stanton (elbows/calf) also dealing with health issues, the Yankees actively seek right-handed hitting reinforcements for their infield rotation. Gatewood’s natural power profile and third-base experience align perfectly with these organizational needs.

While Oswaldo Cabrera currently holds the starting third base position, extended injuries or performance fluctuations could elevate the importance of having a multi-positional player like Gatewood—capable of providing bench power and defensive flexibility—within the organizational structure.

Yankees front office outlook

This acquisition mirrors general manager Brian Cashman’s established pattern of pursuing modest investments with substantial upside potential during spring preparations. Though the Yankees remain engaged in trade discussions and waiver wire monitoring for established right-handed batters, Gatewood provides an in-house alternative with legitimate home run capability.

Even if Gatewood never reaches the Bronx, his presence enhances the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders roster and provides insurance at both third base and designated hitter positions should injury concerns persist deeper into the campaign.

Observers note that the Yankees are adding a legitimate power threat to their upper minors system, and considering injuries already accumulating for the major league club, this depth acquisition could prove valuable sooner than anticipated.

Jake Gatewood career highlights

• Drafted: 41st overall in the 2014 MLB Draft (Milwaukee Brewers)
• Age: 28
• Positions: 3B, 1B, OF
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 220 lbs
• 2024 Atlantic League: .295/.395/.607, 33 HR, 121 RBI
• Last MLB-Affiliated Season: 2022 (Triple-A Salt Lake, Angels)
• Independent Ball Experience: Gastonia (Atlantic League), Mexican League

Why it matters for Yankees

Though this signing won’t capture headlines, championship-caliber teams are built on organizational depth, a principle the Yankees understand thoroughly. Injuries have already altered their ideal Opening Day lineup. Incorporating a player like Gatewood—capable of stepping into the lineup when needed and delivering immediate offensive production—represents a shrewd depth-building strategy that could prove valuable during the season’s most demanding stretches.

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