It’s taken former Tennessee outfielder Drew Gilbert no time to work his way up the lower ranks of the minor leagues. The Houston Astros promoted their top prospect Gilbert to AA affiliate Corpus Christi less than a month into the minor league season, The Athletic’s Chandler Rome first reported Monday.
It took Gilbert all of 31 games in his minor league career to make it to AA. Gilbert played 10 games last summer — four in rookie league and six in low A — before starting his first full professional season at high-A Asheville.
But Gilbert quickly earned the promotion after starting the 2023 season on an absolute tear. The outfielder hit six home runs and 15 extra-base hits while driving in 18 runs in just 21 games in Asheville. Those impressive numbers combined with his remarkable .361/.421/.686 slash line was enough to get called up.
Houston selected Gilbert with its first round selection in last summer’s MLB Draft using the 28th pick in the 20-round draft to take the Tennessee star. The Minnesota native’s dominance at Tennessee combined with his early success in the minor leagues led to him being the top prospect in the Astros’ farm system.
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Gilbert earned starting opportunities from the time he arrived on campus. After COVID-19 ended his freshman season a month in, Gilbert returned as an everyday starter and impressed with his competitiveness and clutch hitting.
But in his junior season Gilbert found a whole new gear. The center fielder was one of the nation’s best players, earning First Team All-SEC honors by hitting .362 with 11 home runs, 36 extra-base hits 70 RBI and a ridiculous 1.128 OPS.
But Gilbert’s play on the field was just a part of his impact on Rocky Top. While joining the MLB Network for draft coverage, Tennessee coach Tony Vitello said Gilbert changed his life by the impact he made on-and-off the field in his Volunteer tenure.
With his consistent play and approach at Tennessee, it’s no surprise Gilbert is quickly working his way up the minor league ranks.
