The New York Mets Triple-A affiliate Syracuse has recently encountered some challenges. Yet, a palpable excitement exists around a burgeoning talent in their ranks. While players such as DJ Stewart and Logan Porter have faced their struggles, 20-year-old Drew Gilbert stands as a beacon of hope and potential. His significant strides in the game are inspiring and suggest that he may soon make his mark in the major leagues, bringing fresh energy and talent to the forefront.
Drew Gilbert Continues to Hit for Power
The New York Mets lack many prospects considered power hitters for the team’s future. Luisangel Acuna stands at 5’8″, while Jett Williams, the highest-rated position player in the Mets’ farm system, measures only 5’6″, and Drew Gilbert is slightly taller at 5’9″. However, their shorter height doesn’t necessarily preclude them from being capable of hitting home runs.
After Sunday’s game, Gilbert has hit three home runs in his last five games. Before this, he had hit just one in 26 games. Although he has only hit .212 in those 31 games, Gilbert’s recent power spike may be a sign of what is coming for him.
Another Combination of Power and Speed
Gilbert may never become as good a power hitter as other Met’s outfielders, such as Brandon Nimmo. However, Gilbert can hit home runs for average and run well on the bases. In the future, the Mets could use a speedy outfielder with the ability to hit for some power. Since he is just 20, the chances of a call-up this season are low. However, Gilbert can prove himself able to come up with New York as soon as 2025.
David Stearns seeks to make New York a powerful baseball team with more than just money. He also seeks a powerful farm system, including Williams, Gilbert, and Sproat. Although Stearns is questionable for not going all in before the trade deadline, Stearns may have wanted to keep a robust farm system. Other teams, such as the San Diego Padres, showed how expensive it was to get a powerful relief pitcher or starter. The Mets decided to settle for pitchers like Paul Blackburn and Huascar Brazoban. The Met’s reluctance towards getting other pitchers like Garrett Crochet and Tanner Scott was most likely because they wanted to keep their farm system.
Gilbert has shown what he was capable of before. In 116 games in the Houston Astros minor league system, Gilbert hit 18 home runs and drove in 59 runs with 26 doubles. This shows his speed and power combination may be pretty powerful. Gilbert seems destined to have multiple 20/20 seasons. The Mets would love another speedster on the bases like Lindor. His talent and potential could make a significant impact, positioning him as a key player to watch in the coming seasons. With the right development and opportunities, Gilbert could become one of baseball’s major talking points.
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