What to expect from Mets prospect Drew Gilbert in 2024

After the Mets sent Max Scherzer to the Rangers, the writing was on the wall and Justin Verlander was going to be next to go. As the Mets approached the rest of the trade deadline, Verlander’s top interest was going back to Houston. 

A source told me that when New York and Houston engaged in trade talks, the prerequisite for a discussion was that the headlining piece had to be the Astros’ 2022 first-round pick and No. 1 prospect, outfielder Drew Gilbert.

This trade was consummated by then-general manager Billy Eppler and owner Steve Cohen, who was involved for the financial portion of things, as the Mets had to absorb money to get the return they coveted. 

The trade was eventually agreed to with Gilbert and first baseman/outfielder Ryan Clifford going to the Mets for Verlander and cash.

Gilbert hit the ground running almost immediately upon joining Double-A Binghamton. In 35 games, he slashed .325/.423/.561 (.984 OPS) with six home runs and 21 RBI while playing all three outfield positions. 

In talking to a couple of players in Binghamton, it's clear Gilbert took on a leadership role defensively almost immediately, helping position the other two outfielders throughout games.

As president of baseball operations David Stearns navigates his first offseason with the Mets, Gilbert’s proximity to the big leagues should be a part of the equation. Not only is Gilbert close to the majors, but he is also among the Mets' top three prospects in the system and a consensus top 100 prospect in the sport. Scouts look at Gilbert as a future above-average or better everyday outfielder.

This does not mean the Mets should avoid pursuing a starting-caliber outfielder this offseason, as I outlined here. But I do think this should be among the factors to deter them from making a massive, long-term investment in a current free agent like Cody Bellinger. 

There are short-term outfielders available, like a Joc Pederson or an Adam Duvall, among others, who can fit the Mets as a bridge outfield solution.

Stearns said this in November about his roster building plan:

"We will construct a roster that provides enough flexibility that our young, talented players do get a chance over the course of a year.” 

The above may not be directed at Gilbert specifically, but he is likely in a pool of players that Stearns was referencing.

Gilbert is an all gas, no brakes kind of player and has been described as "playing like his hair is on fire." This translates to both sides of the ball. At the plate, he is almost never cheated. Despite an aggressive swing, he does not strike out at an alarming rate (under 20 percent strikeout rate at the Double-A level) and has above-average plate discipline. 

Given his propensity to barrel the ball and an improved angle of attack, I think there is a chance for 15-to-20 home runs in his bat with plenty of doubles power.

He is an above-average athlete and that translates into the outfield, where he can handle the responsibilities of center field while possessing an arm strong enough to play right field. 

Since Brandon Nimmo’s future is likely in a corner outfield spot and Starling Marte needs to prove he can stay healthy, when Gilbert is ready for the big leagues -- likely some time in 2024 -- he’ll be prepared to play whichever outfield spot he is needed at.

At 23 years old and having shown success in Double-A, I fully expect Gilbert to begin the season with Triple-A Syracuse with the opportunity to potentially get a look at the big league level in the first half of 2024. 

As the Mets navigate this season as an opportunity to compete for a playoff spot while also evaluating some of their young players, Gilbert should be among the first players to get the chance to attempt to establish himself as a key part of the team's future.