The New York Mets are undergoing some major changes. In a flurry of trade deadline moves, the team has decided to part ways with expiring contracts and aging players. The latest player to be shipped off is three-time Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. He is heading back to the Houston Astros in exchange for two highly touted outfield prospects.
With a record of 50-55, the Mets have made it clear that they will not be making a push for the playoffs in 2023. Instead, they are focused on restocking their farm system, which was ranked as the 11th best in the league before the deadline, according to Fangraphs.
Verlander, who is 40 years old, will be joining the Astros once again. He brings with him a playoff pedigree and an impressive 3.15 ERA in 94.1 innings pitched this year. To sweeten the deal, the Mets will also be sending approximately $53 million along with Verlander to Houston.
Now, let’s talk about the prospects that the Mets will be receiving in return. The main attraction is Drew Gilbert, a 22-year-old lefty outfielder who is currently playing in Double-A. Gilbert is considered to be the Astros’ top prospect and was their first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. Standing at 5-foot-9, he plays center field and has already shown great potential both in college and in the minors. In his limited time in the minors, Gilbert has been tearing it up, hitting .360/.421/.686 with six home runs in just 21 games. This performance earned him a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi.
Gilbert’s skill set has impressed scouts, who believe he has the ability to make an impact in all facets of the game. One scout even compared him to Brett Gardner, praising his contact approach, baserunning ability, and solid defense in center field.
Another prospect the Mets will be adding to their farm system is Ryan Clifford. While he may not be ranked as highly as Gilbert, Clifford has shown his power at every level of the minors. The 20-year-old lefty outfielder was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round last year and has since posted an .898 OPS across three levels. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, Clifford’s raw power and impressive exit velocity have caught the attention of scouts. Though some see him as a future first baseman, his swing and offensive skills have impressed evaluators.
However, there are still areas that Clifford needs to work on, namely his plate discipline and strikeout rate. Despite this, his potential as a power hitter is undeniable.
In summary, the Mets have made a bold move by trading away Justin Verlander and replenishing their farm system with two promising outfield prospects. Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford bring a new level of talent and potential to the organization. Only time will tell how they will develop and contribute to the team’s future success.
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