With Opening Day approaching, the Yankees are still refining their 2025 roster. While the primary focus is on shaping the major-league team, general manager Brian Cashman continues to explore ways to add depth. That effort continued on Tuesday with a subtle but intriguing minor-league acquisition.
The Yankees signed 28-year-old right-handed first baseman Jake Gatewood to a minor-league deal, bringing in a power hitter who has quietly racked up home runs across various leagues in recent years.
A Power Hitter With a Winding Road
Gatewood may not be a familiar name to most fans, but he has consistently showcased his power in the minors and independent leagues. Since 2021, he has hit 98 home runs across 465 games, highlighting his impressive raw power.
Last season, Gatewood competed in the Atlantic League, one of the premier independent baseball circuits. Across 118 games, he delivered a stellar .295/.395/.607 slash line, belting 33 home runs and driving in 121 RBIs—numbers that are nothing short of impressive.
Gatewood last played for a major-league affiliate in 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels’ Triple-A team. That season, he hit .211 with 18 home runs over 108 games, displaying solid power but struggling with consistency and plate discipline.
An Intriguing Low-Risk Gamble
This type of move comes at little cost to the Yankees but could provide value if Gatewood has made real improvements. It’s not unusual for players to move between affiliated baseball, independent leagues, and international teams—the road to the majors is rarely a straight path.
For the Yankees, this is a classic low-risk, high-upside move. Gatewood’s surge in offensive production last year suggests he made key mechanical adjustments, and the team may see potential in his bat that’s worth developing in the minors.
At the very least, the Yankees are bolstering their upper-minor league depth with a proven power hitter. With injuries already piling up at the big-league level, Gatewood could become a valuable option sooner than anticipated.
Final Roster Decisions Still on Deck
Regarding the major-league roster, the Yankees have yet to finalize a few decisions. Manager Aaron Boone has kept his plans under wraps, likely waiting to see how other teams adjust their rosters as they make final cuts.
The front office continues to monitor the waiver wire and explore trade options, specifically targeting a right-handed bat to bolster third base or serve as a temporary DH while Giancarlo Stanton recovers.
In the meantime, bringing Gatewood into the system is a savvy move—a low-risk gamble on his power that could strengthen their minor-league depth and potentially provide an impact if needed.
