Former Tennessee outfielder Drew Gilbert hit with major disrespect after trade to Mets
Former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert was traded this week from the Houston Astros to the New York Mets. Gilbert, a first round selection by the Astros in the 2022 MLB Draft, was traded for future Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander. The former Vols standout was ranked as the top prospect in the […]
Former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert was traded this week from the Houston Astros to the New York Mets.
Gilbert, a first round selection by the Astros in the 2022 MLB Draft, was traded for future Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander.
The former Vols standout was ranked as the top prospect in the Astros' farm system, but that ranking didn't make Gilbert immune to criticism after the trade.
In fact, some of the comments about Gilbert from scouts/prospect experts could be viewed as disrespectful by the young left-handed outfielder.
The Athletic's Keith Law suggested that Gilbert is just a "regular" player that won't be a star.
"I don’t foresee more than 10-15 homer power here, and that’s with some projection on his 5-foot-9 frame," wrote Law after the trade. "While he also has some platoon split already as a left-handed batter that at least bears watching. I think he’s a regular, not a star, with a solid floor as a fourth outfielder/platoon guy."
An anonymous scout also told The Athletic that Gilbert is "fool's gold" while another evaluator said that the former Vol projects "more a complementary everyday player type than a superstar".
MLB scouts have a tough job. For the most part, they get it right. But there are always some misses. And I think Gilbert — even though most scouts agree he'll be an MLB regular — might be one of their misses.
Gilbert is one of those rare players who is better under the bright lights. He's at his best when there's pressure. And he's the type of player that thrives on being doubted.
So perhaps the former Tennessee fan favorite can use Law's analysis and the feedback from anonymous scouts as motivation. A little bulletin board material can go a long way for a player like Gilbert. Taping some of these comments in his locker might not be a bad idea. I'm sure he'll be eager to prove the naysayers wrong. And if I have to bet, I'm betting on Gilbert — he's not the type of player you should ever count out.
Tennessee coach sends loud message to Mets fans after team trades for former Vols star Drew Gilbert
Tennessee coach sends a loud message to New York Mets fans after team trades for former Vols star Drew Gilbert
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
