Drew Gilbert
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| Photo: SNY.tv |
Bio:
Age: 23
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Draft Profile: 1st round, 28th pick of the 2022 draft by Houston Astros
Drafted Out of: Tennessee University
Career Stat Line: .288 AVG .380 OBP 21 HR 66 RBI 18 SB 0.974 Fielding %
Back to position players we go, with a second spotlight on a 2022 Astros' draftee. However, this former first rounder is no longer a part of the organization, with outfielder Drew Gilbert being the centerpiece of a trade that brought Justin Verlander back to Houston.
The fact that the Mets were willing to part with a future Hall of Famer for a package centered around Gilbert is indicative of how his talent is viewed league-wide. But this hype train's been building up steam for years now, with things beginning to unfold all the way up in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Early life wasn't all fun for young Drew, having to deal with a plethora of intestinal issues during his elementary school years. In second grade alone, the kid underwent six surgeries to clear blockages in his intestines (Knox News). He'd be completely fine one minute and on the way to the hospital the next, with no explanation from medical professionals on the cause of the matter.
One day in middle school, the obstructions just seemed to stop. Perhaps the illness ran it's course, or he simply outgrew it-- another thing he'd never get an answer to-- but it was smooth sailing from there for the future star.
Gilbert played his prep ball at Stillwater High in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. The four year varsity letterman was originally a two-way phenom; a high quality outfielder and devastating lefty on the mound. As a junior, he went 6-1 with a 0.67 ERA and 100 Ks in just 55.2 innings, while ripping .400 at the dish (UTSports). He capped off the outstanding campaign with a three hit, complete game shutout in the Minnesota 4A Championship game over Minnetonka (PressPubs). He struck out 15 during the masterpiece, clinching the Ponies' 20th consecutive victory and first state title since 1991.
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| Photo: Press Pubs |
While his Drew's following season didn't end with another trophy, he still accrued a number of personal accolades. The senior posted an 8-0 record with an obscene 0.10 ERA, 108 strikeouts and 3 no hitters, en route to being named Mr. Baseball in Minnesota (Star Tribune). In addition to numerous colleges taking note, the top player in the state also caught the eye of professional scouts, despite many not being sure if he was a pitcher or position player.
The Twins decided to take a swing at the local prep star in the 35th round of the MLB draft, an honor he'd ultimately decline. Instead, it was off to SEC ball down in Knoxville!
Gilbert's first season at the University of Tennessee ended after just 15 appearances due to COVID. The freshman ripped a .350/1/8 line at the dish while posting a 5.63 ERA and 10.1 K/9 on the bump over 8 frames (Baseball Reference). Not the sample size many were hoping for, but plenty of promise.
We began to witness the full transition to outfield during Drew's sophomore year, where he only pitched 8.1 innings in 7 appearances. He was simply too valuable of a defender to move from his patrol in center, where he started all but one game for the Volunteers. There were some struggles at the plate, like his low walk rate and mediocre average, but we'll attribute that to growing pains due to the ramped up competition, as the team got fully immersed in conference play unlike in 2020. That first taste of SEC ball can be an eye opener.
But Gilbert was seeing clearly as a junior, finishing his impressive season batting .362 with 11 long balls, 70 driven in and a positive walk to strikeout rate. For the first time in his baseball career, he didn't see any work on the mound, focusing his talents on becoming an elite defensive outfielder. Mock drafts began to plug him as high as the middle of the first round, with pro teams highly attracted to his passion and 4-tool potential.
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| Photo: Caleb Jones/ Tennessee Athletics |
On July 17th, 2022, Houston decided to give Drew a call that came much earlier than the one he received in the 2019. With the 28th overall selection, the Astros officially drafted the Tennessee outfielder. After some negotiations, both sides settled on a $2.5 million dollar signing bonus (NBC Sports), just slightly under slot for the pick, and the newest member of the organization was off to the Florida Complex League.
His stint in the FCL lasted just 4 games, where the first rounder went 5-11 with a home run and 4 RBI before receiving a promotion to Class A Fayetteville for the final two series of their season. He seemed destined to be a quick riser through this farm, which came to fruition in 2023.
Houston promoted their touted prospect to A+ Asheville to kick off his first full professional season. He'd only last 21 games with the Tourists, producing eye catching .361/.421/.686 slashes during his month with the club. Drew gave the club no choice but to move him up to AA Corpus Christi.
60 games later, the MLB trade deadline arrived. The Astros were a highly competitive team in need of reinforcements in the rotation, ultimately making a big splash by bringing ace Justin Verlander back to H-Town from New York. The price was a hefty one though, headlined by our guy Drew Gilbert (SNY.tv). Ryan Clifford also was sent to Queens in the deal.
Gilbert made a nice impression as a member of the AA Binghamton Rumble Ponies, posting a .325/6/21 line in 25 appearances while providing a ton of excitement for his future with the Mets.
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| Photo: MiLB.com |
2024's unfortunately been a bit shakier. Drew's spent his time with the AAA Syracuse Mets, playing just 7 games thus far after suffering a hamstring injury April 7th (NBC Sports). He's yet to see action since, but the ailment isn't considered long term, so expect him back in the coming weeks here.
Assuming all goes well upon return, it's certainly in the realm of possibility we get the see New York's #2 prospect on the big league level before the season's end. Keep an eye on this exciting young player as he continues to realize his baseball dreams.
And if you find yourself searching for a great cause to contribute to, Gilbert's run Bat Flip 4 Kids since his days flipping bats for the Tennessee Volunteers. He's partnered with the East Tennessee Children's Hospital to get toys to boost up children's spirits who're dealing with medical ailments, as well as meal cards for their families coping with the collateral stress. 100% of donations go directly to these families, so any little thing helps!
Quite possibly a better guy off the field than on it, and Drew Gilbert's a damn good ball player.
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| Photo: Batflip4kids/ X |
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@Choppinglines
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