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B/T: L/L   Age: 24
Ht: 5’8″      Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Selected in the first round by the Astros in the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft.
ETA: 2025  Previous Rank: 2
2024 Stats: .205/.313/.371 (.685 OPS), 268 plate appearances, 47 H, 8 2B, 10 HR, 33 RBIs, 3 SB, 30 BB, 54 SO

Overview

One of the centerpieces of the Justin Verlander trade in 2023, Drew Gilbert spent a lot of time as at top-100 prospect in baseball and one of the top prospects in the New York Mets’ system. Unfortunately, after some injury woes at the beginning of last season, Gilbert turned in his worst season to date as a professional.

After being drafted 28th overall by the Houston Astros out of the University of Tennessee in 2022, Gilbert had a monster year in his first full professional season during the 2023 campaign. He played across two different levels, posting an .868 OPS and 47 extra-base hits across 433 at-bats. As a result, Gilbert was regarded as a top-100 prospect in baseball and one of the best in the Mets’ system.

As mentioned, Gilbert began last season injured, before finally ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse. Across 214 at-bats, Gilbert hit a meager .215 to go along with a .706 OPS. He only had 18 extra-base hits, but did walk a ton, resulting in a .313 on-base percentage and the OPS above .700. It appeared the hamstring injury he suffered nagged on for the duration of the season.

Gilbert did play in the Arizona Fall League in 2024 as well. Unfortunately, he did not fare much better, as he slashed .208/.380/.403 (.783 OPS). One thing that looked improved was the power, as he belted four home runs across 72 at-bats. He also continued to walk at an extremely high rate, posting more walks (17) than strikeouts (14).

2025 Outlook

Gilbert will no doubt start the season with Triple-A Syracuse and hope to regain the form of his 2023 season while avoiding any injuries, which led to his downfall in 2024. If he can get back to that 2023 season form, there is a real chance the 24-year-old will make his debut with the big league club sometime in 2025.

Going forward, Gilbert projects as an average-to-above average fielder, specifically one with a strong arm. If everything goes right, he can be a slightly above average hitter in the major leagues thanks in large part to a terrific eye to go along with average power. With Juan Soto locking down right field, his path to the majors is either in center or left.