SAN FRANCISCO — Because the Mets monitor the marketplace for potential outfield assist, Drew Gilbert’s inventory is rising as an inner possibility for a serious league function.
The 24-year-old Gilbert is surging at Triple-A Syracuse, the place he delivered two homers on Friday, giving him six for the month. He owns a 1.126 OPS in July.
The Mets view Gilbert as a plus defender in middle subject — group officers had been raving a few catch he made Thursday by racing into the hole — however continued offensive success would be the largest figuring out consider whether or not he’s promoted for the stretch run.
“Drew is doing a tremendous job, and I think to his credit he is probably putting himself on the radar a little bit,” president of baseball operations David Stearns mentioned earlier than the Mets’ 8-1 win over the Giants at Oracle Park. “Offensively and defensively, he’s taken a step forward I would say over the last month or two.”
A left-handed bat, Gilbert might doubtlessly share middle subject with Tyrone Taylor, permitting Jeff McNeil to maneuver again to second base full time.
However that may have ramifications in lowering the at-bats acquired by gamers reminiscent of Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña.
“Offensively, he has put it together,” mentioned a expertise evaluator who has watched Gilbert all through the season. “He controls the strike zone really well and hits the ball plenty hard. They have got to get him to hit the ball up in the air a little bit more, that’s all. He’s stronger than he looks.”
Gilbert, who arrived within the 2023 commerce that despatched Justin Verlander to the Astros, missed a lot of final season with hamstring accidents. Gilbert has remained wholesome this season.
He owns an .823 OPS with 14 homers in 314 at-bats total this season.
The Mets optioned reliever Alex Carrillo to Triple-A Syracuse and chosen lefty José Castillo to the main league roster.
Max Kranick was transferred to the 60-day injured listing to create area on the 40-man roster for Castillo.
This sequence in opposition to the Giants is the beginning of a nine-game stretch for the Mets in opposition to NL West opponents.
The Mets, who face the Padres subsequent week earlier than returning residence to play the Giants, are 13-6 in opposition to NL West opponents this season.
A lot of that success stems from a 6-0 file in opposition to the Rockies.
