While New York Mets fans may not be thrilled about the strategy of building the organization’s farm system when they haven’t won a title since 1986, stud prospect Drew Gilbert is giving reason to believe the future could be here sooner than expected.
The Mets made a pair of blockbuster trades last summer that had a major impact on the team in 2023. However, unlike in the past where they added a star player that could hopefully get them back to the World Series, the organization was sellers at least year’s deadline and moved aces Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
To make sure they landed impact prospects in those deals, the Mets took on much of the money still owed to Verlander and Scherzer. The hope was that buying elite prospects Luisangel Acuña (from the Rangers) and Drew Gilbert (from the Astros) would pay off eventually.
Drew Gilbert’s hitting style earns comparisons to Daniel Murphy
Well, Gilbert is making people in spring training believe the team could reap the rewards from those deals a little sooner. On Thursday, SNY New York Mets insider Andy Martino offered up a glowing report about the 23-year-old outfielder that should have Amazin’ fans very excited.
“Now to the field, where no player has captured attention in the early games like Gilbert. The outfielder, acquired by Billy Eppler and Steve Cohen along with Ryan Clifford last July for Verlander, has an electric skill set and a precocious approach at the plate,” Martino wrote. “Like Daniel Murphy, a fellow left-handed hitter, Gilbert tries to pull the ball until he is in a two-strike count, then shortens up and aims to use the whole field.
“The most impressive at-bat of early camp came Tuesday when Gilbert batted with the bases loaded, fell behind 0-2, and fought off a slider into left field to drive in two runs,” he continued, “Defensively, the former pitcher has flashed what one evaluator calls a “plus to double-plus arm.” He has the speed for center field and the arm for right field. That’s a good problem to have.”
Being compared to Daniel Murphy as a hitter should give Mets fans reason to be hopeful. The three-time All-Star and 2015 NLCS MVP was a fantastic hitter at his peak and a well-liked member of the roster during the 2010s.
Gilbert was the second-ranked player in the Mets farm system on MLB.com in 2023.
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