1. The Trade: From Mets to Giants — A Risk That’s Paying Off
In the summer of 2025, the New York Mets executed a key mid-season trade, sending outfield prospect Drew Gilbert to the San Francisco Giants as part of the deal that brought veteran reliever Tyler Rogers to New York. At the time, Gilbert had shown promise in Triple-A but had not yet proven himself on the major league stage. Now, the move looks increasingly ill-advised for the Mets. With Rogers heading toward free agency and the Giants riding a potential postseason wave fueled by Gilbert’s spark, fans and analysts alike are questioning the wisdom behind the trade.
2. Rookie Surge: From Triple-A Call-Up to Team Catalyst
After being acquired from the Mets, Gilbert briefly joined Triple-A Sacramento before receiving his call-up to the majors in August. Despite a slow start—hitting just .097—his performance quickly caught fire. In just four days, he surged to a .261 batting average, going 9-for-15 at the plate and injecting much-needed energy into a flailing Giants lineup.
His recent stretch is nothing short of spectacular: over his last six games, Gilbert has gone 10-for-19, amassed six extra-base hits, and remarkably struck out zero times.
Behind the plate and in the clubhouse, Gilbert’s presence is electric. Teammates have likened him to “a lightning bolt in a little ball,” admiring both his explosive performance and infectious energy.SFGATENew York Post
3. Hype Rituals & Viral Celebrations: The Dugout Comes Alive
If Gilbert’s on-field performance reignited the Giants, his hype rituals and hypercharged celebrations turned the team’s energy up to eleven.
During a recent home game against the Rockies, Gilbert went 4-for-4—including a home run off former college teammate Chase Dollander—and followed it with a wild dugout celebration. The highlight? A short-lived but hilarious “choke” by third baseman Matt Chapman, staged as part of an “over-the-top hype ritual” that’s now caught on like wildfire. Broadcast announcer Javier Lopez captured it perfectly: “Next level right there.”
This celebratory scene went viral across social media. Giants’ digital teams shared a snapshot labeled “Chill, lowkey dugout celly,” all while fans and media showered it with laughter and admiration.
Gilbert himself embraces these antics: “When you’re competing to win, emotions come out,” he said. “I think it’s fun to get a good group of guys… to make it easy to — kind of come out of my shell and be who I am.”
4. What Teammates Are Saying: “Ball of Fire” Energy
Comments from within the clubhouse only reinforce the legend growing around Gilbert:
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Dominic Smith, Gilbert’s former teammate with the Mets, summed him up as “like, if you put a lightning bolt in a little ball.”
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Casey Schmitt described him as “a little ball of fire just waiting to explode.”
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Willy Adames joked, “He shows up every day like he has new batteries… People are acting like, ‘How do you get so much energy? Where do you get it from? Like, give us something. Whatever you’re taking, we want some, too.’”
From these insights, it’s clear that Gilbert’s spark transcends his stats—he’s become a powerful fuel for clubhouse morale.
5. Team Impact: Turning Around a Season
Gilbert’s timeline from minor league newcomer to lineup catalyst couldn’t be more dramatic. The Giants, who were mired in a slump, have transformed their standing with his help—winning eight of nine games, climbing to a .500 record and inching toward a Wild Card spot.
His contributions go beyond the box score: the vibe in the dugout is lighter, the energy palpable, and the momentum undeniable. He’s not just playing baseball—he’s orchestrating a mini-renaissance for the Giants.
