Mets GM makes strong statement about Drew Gilbert after trading for the former Vols standout
New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler made a statement about former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert this week that makes the former UT standout sound like a future MLB star. On Sunday, during a brief podcast appearance, Eppler discussed Gilbert, who was recently acquired by the Mets in a deal that sent future Hall […]
New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler made a statement about former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert this week that makes the former UT standout sound like a future MLB star.
On Sunday, during a brief podcast appearance, Eppler discussed Gilbert, who was recently acquired by the Mets in a deal that sent future Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros (the Mets also received outfielder/first baseman Ryan Clifford in the deal).
"With Drew, I think everybody's gonna love — you should just come watch Drew," said Eppler. "I mean, he's really hard to describe. He [plays] with his hair on fire. That guy's gonna collide with everything — teammates, walls, whatever, dive headfirst into the bags. He's probably our own little version of Charlie Hustle here — he gets after it. And a really good understanding of the strike zone, can impact the baseball, looks to have a lot of baseball intelligence in the outfield…he really kind of takes that leadership responsibility that centerfielders have, he really takes that seriously."
Gilbert is off to a nice start with the Double-A Binghamton Mets. The former Vols standout is 4-for-11 with a triple, 2 RBIs and a walk since getting traded to New York.
If Gilbert's hot start continues, he has a legitimate chance to reach AAA by the end of the 2023 season.
Featured image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK