At long last, Drew Gilbert is set to make his MLB debut. The San Fransisco Giants called up Gilbert to the show just over a week after trading for Gilbert from the New York Mets.
Gilbert is the 10th Tony Vitello era Tennessee player to make it to the MLB, joining Garrett Crochet, Ben Joyce, Andrew Lipcius, Trey Lipscomb, Jordan Beck, Seth Halvorsen, Chase Dollander and Blade Tidwell.
The Mets traded Gilbert, Tidwell and relief pitcher Jose Butto to the San Fransisco Giants in return for top reliever Tyler Rogers at the MLB trade deadline.
Gilbert has been on a tear since being traded to the Giants. In five games with AAA Sacramento, Gilbert is hitting seven-for-14 with two triples, a double, two RBIs, six walks and two stolen bases. The outfielder also hit a walk-off double in his third game with Sacramento.
The Minnesota native is now hitting .262 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs during the 2025 season. His average this season largely matches his career numbers but his power hitting is up this season, especially compared to last season.
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The Houston Astros selected in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. It’s been an adversity filled few professional years for Gilbert. He’s now twice been traded and has dealt with multiple injuries during his career. But Gilbert is now finally headed to the show with the Giants.
San Fransisco currently has a 58-57 record, is eight games out of first place in the NL West and is five games back of the third wild card spot. Gilbert will join the Giants as they prepare to host the Washington Nationals in a three-game series in San Fransisco.
Gilbert spent three years at Tennessee and was a two-way starter, helping lead the Vols to the 2021 College World Series and to the 2022 SEC Regular-Season and Tournament Championship.
The centerfielder was good as a sophomore, but developed into one of the SEC’s best players in his junior season. Improving his hard contact rate, strikeout rate and batting average, Gilbert hit .362 with 11 home runs and 70 RBIs in his final collegiate season.
