School: University of Tennessee; Class: Junior
Position: CF; B/T: L/L
Height: 5-9; Weight: 185
Previously Drafted: Minnesota Twins, 35th round, 2019
High School: Stillwater High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 55 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
Background: A legend coming out of Stillwater High School, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound center fielder / pitching ace did a little bit of everything for the Ponies – including leading them to the Minnesota state championship as a junior. During that epic championship performance, the little left-hander dazzled Minnetonka for seven shutout innings, racking up 15 punch outs. And Gilbert was practically unhittable during his senior campaign as well, surrendering one earned run in 49 innings to go along with 97 strikeouts. He also batted a scorching .370 with 16 RBIs and eight stolen bases.
After a little flirtation from the Red Sox in the late rounds, the Minnesota-born prospect packed his bags and headed to the land of the Volunteers – where he would be a key cog in one of the best collegiate teams in history.
As a two-way player his first two seasons, Gilbert’s performance was filled with highs and lows: he battled control / command issues as a part-time reliever and hit a solid .274/.341/.437 as a center fielder during his sophomore season. This season, though, the pint-sized dynamo focused solely on hitting. And he put together a record performance. In 58 games for the SEC Conference powerhouse, Gilbert slugged .362/.455/.673 with career highs in doubles (21), triples (four), homeruns (11), and RBIs (70).
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only three SEC hitters have batted at least .360/.450/.650 in a season (min. 225 PA): Brent Rooker, Sonny DiChiara, and – of course – Drew Gilbert.
So let’s expand that a bit. Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only two Division I hitters batted at least .360/.450/.650 with a strikeout and walk rate between 12% and 14% in a season (min. 225 PA): Hunter Dozier and – of course – Drew Gilbert. And it should be noted that Dozier did it playing in the Southland Conference and Gilbert was playing in the far superior SEC.
Likely the strongest arm among any non-pitching prospect coming out of the collegiate class, Gilbert’s fastball in high school reached upwards of 97 mph, according to reports. Cut from a similar cloth as consensus Top 20 big league prospect Corbin Carroll, Gilbert packs a wallop in a deceptively strong frame. He’s pure muscle and athleticism. Above-average hit tool, lightning quick bat, and does not get cheated. Above-average hit tool, good patience, 50-grade power with maybe a little more in the tank, and above-average speed. Gilbert could be the complete package. Gritty. Gamer.
Ceiling: 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: First Round
