Yankees Prospect Converts from Catcher to Pitcher, Hits 100 MPH with 'Special Arm'

The New York Yankees are in the process of converting catcher Antonio Gomez into a pitcher, and the results are eye-opening so far, with the 23-year-old hitting 100 miles per hour and being lauded for a "special arm."

“I think he’s got a special arm, for sure,” Yankees director of pitching Sam Briend said, per Brendan Kuty of The Athletic.

As Kuty noted, the Yankees officially began the transition on June 18, when he was placed on the Double-A Somerset team's developmental list.

The right-handed Gomez has brought the heat early and often, working his way from 94-96 mph and even hitting 97 mph, per Kuty. However, in his fourth bullpen session, Gomez touched 100 mph on the radar gun.

“Even guys who throw 100 mph in games — you don’t see them doing that very often in the bullpen,” Briend told Kuty.

The progress has been so encouraging that the Yankees “absolutely” plan to use him in minor league games this season.

Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake has certainly taken notice of his efforts and potential.

“Really good arm,” Blake said. “Really good athlete. I think what the guys are excited about is the potential upside for a guy like that, who’s got some arm strength and has shown it behind the plate. To have the aptitude back there and then try it out on the mound.”

Gomez signed with the Yankees in 2018. He was a top-20 prospect in the Yankees' organization as late as 2022 (No. 19), per MLB.com. Gomez has had some struggles with the bat, though, as evidenced by a .140 batting average in 35 games with Somerset this year.

However, Gomez is on a new path now, and there are certainly some encouraging signs so far with a blazing fastball.