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Drew Gilbert
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Gilbert was a fiery performer for a dominant Tennessee team in 2022 and went to the Astros with the 28th overall pick that July. He got off to a quick start with High-A Asheville in his first full season, moved to Double-A Corpus Christi, dealt with a left elbow issue and started to heat up in the Texas League when Houston dealt him to the Mets for Justin Verlander at the Trade Deadline. Gilbert posted a .984 OPS for Double-A Binghamton in 35 games after the trade but couldn’t build on that blue-and-orange momentum in 2024, primarily due to a right hamstring strain that kept him out of the Triple-A Syracuse lineup for three months. He slashed just .215/.313/.393 in 56 games at the Minors’ top level and didn’t fare much better with a .208 average and .783 OPS over 21 contests in the Arizona Fall League.
The former Volunteers star was defined by his kinetic play in the field before last season, but many who saw him thought he looked like he was tamping down on the energy coming off the hamstring. He still managed the strike zone fairly well but struggled making consistent contact against sliders and changeups. Without his typical burst, his exit velocities weren’t particularly strong either. But with his slightly open stance and raised-leg load, he could still lift and pull as well as anyone in Triple-A.
With more time to heal, Gilbert could get back to being an above-average runner in 2025, and he’ll need it if he’s going to stick in center. The addition of Juan Soto closed Gilbert’s route to right field, where his arm strength could have been a weapon. Mets officials say Gilbert is motivated to move past the injury and secure his place in New York’s plans. -mlbpipeline
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