Mets’ Drew Gilbert Emerges as Strong Candidate for Outfield Role

SAN FRANCISCO — The New York Mets are currently assessing their options in the outfield, and rising star Drew Gilbert is drawing significant attention as a potential internal solution for a major league position.

Gilbert’s Impressive Performance at Triple-A

The 24-year-old outfielder has been making waves at Triple-A Syracuse. This past Friday, Gilbert launched two home runs, bringing his monthly total to six, alongside an outstanding 1.126 OPS in July. His offensive prowess is not only helping his team but also enhances his candidacy for a promotion.

Defensive Potential

The Mets’ management views Gilbert as an asset in center field. They recently praised his defensive skills after he made a standout catch racing into the gap. According to Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, “Drew is doing a tremendous job… He’s taken a step forward offensively and defensively over the last month or two.”

Possible Lineup Adjustments

Gilbert, a left-handed hitter, might share duties in center field with Tyrone Taylor, allowing Jeff McNeil to reclaim his position at second base full-time. However, this move could limit at-bats for promising players like Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña.

Evaluator Insights

A talent scout closely monitoring Gilbert’s trajectory commented, “Offensively, he has put it together. He controls the strike zone really well and hits the ball plenty hard.” However, the evaluator noted the need for Gilbert to focus on elevating the ball in his swings, emphasizing that he has more strength than he may appear to possess.

Previous Years and Current Stats

Gilbert joined the Mets during the 2023 trade that sent Justin Verlander to the Astros. After struggling with hamstring injuries last season, he has shown resilience this year, maintaining a healthy status. His current season stats boast an .823 OPS with 14 home runs in 314 at-bats.

Drew Gilbert, running a drill during sprint training, hit two home runs for Triple-A Syracuse on July 25, 2025. © Corey Sipkin for New York Post

Roster Updates

In recent team news, the Mets optioned reliever Alex Carrillo to Triple-A Syracuse while calling up lefty José Castillo to their major league roster. Furthermore, to make room for Castillo on the 40-man roster, Max Kranick has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Upcoming Series

This matchup against the Giants marks the beginning of a critical nine-game stretch for the Mets against NL West teams. They face the Padres next week before returning home to take on the Giants again. So far this season, the Mets have fared well against NL West opponents, holding a 13-6 record, with significant success attributed to a perfect 6-0 record against the Rockies.

Conclusion

As Drew Gilbert continues to shine at the minor league level, his potential ascension to the major leagues could be pivotal for the Mets’ outfield strategy. For fans and analysts alike, watching how Gilbert’s performance influences the Mets’ roster decisions will be crucial as the season progresses.

Learn more about the Mets’ roster changes and their impact on the season.