Former Tennessee Vols baseball standout Drew Gilbert, who is a prospect in the New York Mets farm system, recently learned his fate for the start of the 2024 MLB season.
After finishing the 2023 season with Double-A Binghamton, Gilbert will start the 2024 season at AAA Syracuse according to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Mets OF prospect Drew Gilbert will begin the year at Triple-A Syracuse, per David Stearns.
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) January 11, 2024
After coming over from the Astros at the trade deadline last season, Gilbert hit .325 with a .984 OPS in 35 games with Double-A Binghamton.
Stearns mentioned Gilbert, Luisangel Acuña and… pic.twitter.com/C3moec5DLb
Gilbert was traded from the Houston Astros to the Mets last season at the trade deadline for future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander.
The Mets are hoping that Gilbert, a player they love for his competitiveness and bat to ball skills, can be their center fielder of the future.
New York signed outfielder Harrison Bader this offseason to a one-year deal to play center field in 2024. That means that Gilbert isn't necessarily blocked from joining the big league club this season. If he gets off to a hot start in AAA, it might not be long before Gilbert makes his debut in Queens.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!