3 best NY Mets prospects David Stearns shouldn’t hesitate to trade in the right deal

If the right deal comes along, the Mets shouldn't hesitate to move these top prospects.
Feb 12, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets first baseman Ryan Clifford (87) works during a Spring Training workout at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets first baseman Ryan Clifford (87) works during a Spring Training workout at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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3) Drew Gilbert

It just doesn’t seem like Drew Gilbert is going to be the star we hoped he would become. Now 24, he hasn’t made any real noise to suggest he belongs in the majors. There have certainly been opportunities this season. The Mets aren’t getting much at all from center field.

Over in Syracuse, Gilbert is batting .236/.342/.415. Another prospect who knows how to draw a walk (or maybe minor league pitchers are just a little wild), he has sprinkled in 15 doubles and 10 home runs to put on a little bit of a power display.

The Mets haven’t given up on Gilbert fully. Wisely, he is playing mostly center field in Triple-A. Even so, the lack of a big league promotion and the choice of carrying veterans like Jose Azocar and Travis Jankowski on the roster this season tells us all we need to know about the franchise’s true feelings.

If Baez becoming Rule 5 eligible in December 2026 matters at all, the Mets need to look at Gilbert reaching the same fate this winter with more urgency. He is someone who would get claimed even if the end result is him getting buried on the Chicago White Sox bench for a full season.

It’s a shame both prospects acquired for Justin Verlander feel like trade chips. The beauty in that ugliness is the trade train can gain another passenger car. Make it count.