Drew Gilbert

Gilbert makes for a tricky evaluation heading into 2025, as he hasn't performed at the level of a top prospect since his Double-A run in 2023 after getting traded to the Mets at the deadline, but injuries have played a role. An early-April hamstring strain sidelined Gilbert until mid-July last season, and he slashed .215/.313/.393 with 10 home runs and three steals in 56 games at Triple-A to close the year. Nine of his 10 homers came in his final 30 games, which is a promising sign, but it was a small sample against watered down pitching late in the year. Seen as a potential five-category outfielder when he was drafted in the first round by the Astros in 2022, Gilbert no longer shows off plus speed on the bases, having stolen 11 bases in 151 career games at Double-A and Triple-A. His .234 BABIP at Triple-A tanked his overall slash line, and his 20.6 percent strikeout rate and 10.1 percent walk rate were strong marks for a player making their Triple-A debut. An important factor working in Gilbert's favor is that he's an above-average defender in center field and right field and he's in an organization that strongly values defense, so he could still be a regular or strong-side platoon option even if he's only hitting in the bottom third of the lineup. Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo are locked into everyday roles, but there should be a chance for Gilbert in the majors sometime this summer if he earns it. Read Past Outlooks