Milwaukee Brewers Prospects: #19 Jake Gatewood

Day one of the 2014 June draft looks to go down as a big one for the Milwaukee Brewers. They drafted three high school, high-ceiling players that look to have a major role in the future of the organization. One of these players with the biggest upside is infield prospect, Jake Gatewood. Here is a look at why Gatewood ranks as the 19th best prospect in the system.

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Coming out of Clovis High School in California, Gatewood was as one of the most feared prep bats in the draft. Already being seen in home run derbies at major league fields, Gatewood’s size and raw power made him a can’t miss prospect.

While he struggled to start the year as a young 19-year-old in the Midwest League, Gatewood’s time in the Pioneer league showed that he is a hitter to watch. Playing for the Helena Brewers, Gatewood hit .274 with six home runs and an .807 OPS. He also showed his gap power by doubling 23 times and driving in 41 runs.

Though he has mainly played shortstop, this off-season Gatewood has started working at third base. With a big frame and strong arm, this may be the best move long term for his talents.

The biggest flaw to his game is his ability to make consistent contact. In 109 games this season, Gatewood struck out 133 times while walking just 32 times. It may take some time, but if he can get this figured out as he matures his power should make him a prime, middle of the lineup bat.

This season it is expected that Gatewood will again start the year in the Midwest League and I look for big things from him. Not being outmatched as one of the youngest in the league, I expect Gatewood to put up numbers similar to Clint Coulter in 2014 with the team.

Next: Brewers' Prospects: #20 Nathan Kirby

The Brewers were lucky to get Gatewood where they did in the 2014 draft and while things haven’t been easy for him so far as a professional, he is certainly a bat that will have a big time impact in the future at Miller Park.