Andrew “Drew” Christopher Gilbert (born September 27, 2000) is a rising American professional baseball outfielder known for his tenacious play and versatile skills. Currently a member of the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB), Gilbert gained prominence through his exceptional collegiate career at the University of Tennessee before being selected in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft. His journey through the minor league system saw him traded twice, eventually landing him with the Giants, where he made his highly anticipated MLB debut in August 2025.
Drew Gilbert Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew Christopher Gilbert |
| Known As | Drew Gilbert |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 2000 |
| Age (as of Sep 2, 2025) | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Bats / Throws | Left / Left |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player (Outfielder) |
| Current Team | San Francisco Giants (MLB) |
| MLB Debut | August 8, 2025, for the San Francisco Giants |
| College | University of Tennessee |
| Draft | 2022 MLB Draft, 1st Round, 28th Overall by Houston Astros |
| Parents | Andy and Cindy Gilbert |
| Siblings | Madeline, Molly (sisters), Matt (brother) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Undisclosed; career earnings approx. $2.7 million (as of 2025, from signing bonuses and MLB salary) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @chillygoobear |
Early Life and Education of Drew Gilbert
Drew Gilbert, born Andrew Christopher Gilbert on September 27, 2000, in St. Paul, Minnesota, grew up with a passion for baseball that would eventually define his career. He attended Stillwater Area High School in Stillwater, Minnesota, where he quickly distinguished himself as a multi-talented athlete. During his junior year, Gilbert played a pivotal role in leading Stillwater to their first state championship since 1991, showcasing his pitching prowess by striking out 15 batters and throwing over 115 pitches in a complete-game shutout. That same year, he boasted an impressive .400 batting average and a dominant 7-1 record with a 0.63 ERA and 100 strikeouts over 55.2 innings.
His senior year in 2019 further solidified his reputation as a top-tier prospect, earning him accolades such as the St. Paul Pioneer Press Baseball Player of the Year, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, and Minnesota Mr. Baseball. He concluded his high school career with 97 strikeouts while yielding only one run over 49 innings, alongside a .370 batting average and eight stolen bases. Gilbert’s athletic lineage is notable, with both his parents, Andy and Cindy Gilbert, having been collegiate athletes; his father played soccer at Bethel University, and his mother was a gymnast at Ball State University.
Although the Minnesota Twins selected him in the 35th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft, Gilbert chose not to sign, opting instead to pursue a collegiate baseball career. He initially committed to Oregon State, but a coaching change led him to switch his commitment to the University of Tennessee, where he would become a standout player for the Volunteers. At Tennessee, he majored in Sociology, indicating an interest beyond his athletic pursuits.
Drew Gilbert’s Career
Drew Gilbert’s baseball career began to truly flourish during his time at the University of Tennessee. In his freshman year in 2020, he made ten starts in the outfield and pitched eight innings before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following year, as a sophomore in 2021, Gilbert became Tennessee’s primary starting center fielder. He earned national attention and was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Newcomer of the Week twice. A defining moment came when he hit an ultimate grand slam against the Wright State Raiders in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Division I baseball tournament, securing a 9-8 victory for the Volunteers and helping them reach their first Super Regional in 16 years. He finished the 2021 season with a .274/.341/.437 slash line, ten home runs, 62 RBIs, and ten stolen bases across 67 starts. His exceptional performance also earned him a spot on the USA Baseball National Collegiate Team.
Returning as the starting center fielder in 2022, Gilbert was named to the All-SEC First Team. He was a key player on a Tennessee team that achieved a remarkable 57-9 overall record and a 25-5 SEC play record, winning both the SEC regular season and conference tournament titles. He compiled a slash line of .362/.455/.673 with 11 home runs in 58 games that season. During the NCAA Super Regional, Gilbert faced a notable incident when he was ejected and subsequently suspended one game for arguing a strike call against Notre Dame, an event that drew significant media attention due to his fiery demeanor. Despite this, he returned for the decisive third game, though Tennessee ultimately lost.
In the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, the Houston Astros selected Drew Gilbert in the first round as the 28th overall pick. He signed with the Astros for a $2.5 million bonus. Gilbert made his professional debut with the Florida Complex League Astros, hitting a home run in his very first at-bat. After a brief stint, he was promoted to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. However, his 2022 season was cut short in August when he dislocated his right elbow after colliding with an outfield wall. He finished his inaugural professional season with a .313 batting average and two home runs over ten games.
Gilbert began the 2023 season with the Asheville Tourists, where he displayed impressive form, batting .361 with 15 extra-base hits in 21 games, leading to a quick promotion to the Corpus Christi Hooks in early May. He was also selected to represent the Astros at the 2023 All-Star Futures Game. On August 1, 2023, Gilbert, along with Ryan Clifford, was traded to the New York Mets as part of a blockbuster deal for pitcher Justin Verlander. Following the trade, he was assigned to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, where he continued to perform well, slashing .325/.423/.561 in 35 games and helping the team reach the Eastern League finals. Across 116 games in the 2023 season, Gilbert posted a combined .289/.381/.487 slash line with 18 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. He was recognized as a Mets MLB.com Organizational All-Star.
The 2024 season saw Gilbert begin with the Syracuse Mets, though he missed time due to a hamstring injury, undergoing rehabilitation with the Florida Complex League Mets and St. Lucie Mets. He played 62 games, hitting .205 with ten home runs and 33 RBIs. Lingering hamstring issues led to Gilbert starting the 2025 season on the injured list, but he was activated in mid-April, rehabbed with St. Lucie, and rejoined Syracuse. On July 30, 2025, Gilbert was again part of a significant trade, moving to the San Francisco Giants along with José Buttó and Blade Tidwell in exchange for pitcher Tyler Rogers. After five impressive appearances with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, where he batted .500 with two RBI and two stolen bases, Gilbert’s contract was selected by the Giants. He made his highly anticipated MLB debut on August 8, 2025, as the starting right fielder for the San Francisco Giants, contributing to a 5-0 victory over the Washington Nationals, and hitting his first MLB home run on August 17 in a 7-1 win against the Tampa Bay Rays. His quick ascent through multiple organizations, marked by both standout performances and resilience through injuries, underscores his potential as a valuable major league outfielder.
Drew Gilbert Personal Life & Family
Drew Gilbert, whose full name is Andrew Christopher Gilbert, maintains a relatively private personal life despite his growing public profile as a professional athlete. He was born to Andy and Cindy Gilbert, both of whom were collegiate athletes, instilling a foundation of athleticism and competitive spirit in the family. His father played soccer at Bethel University, while his mother was a gymnast at Ball State University. Drew has two sisters, Madeline and Molly, and one brother, Matt, indicating he grew up in a supportive family environment.
As of current information, specific details about Drew Gilbert’s romantic relationships, whether he has a girlfriend, is married (Drew Gilbert husband/wife), or has children, are not widely publicized in verified sources. His public focus appears to remain primarily on his burgeoning baseball career. He is known for his fiery and emotional playing style on the field, a characteristic that his college coach, Tony Vitello, described as a “loud personality” driven by an intense desire to win. However, off the field, he is regarded as a “phenomenal kid” and a “nicer kid,” suggesting a contrast between his competitive on-field persona and his personal disposition. Gilbert’s grounded approach is also evident in his honesty regarding his height, publicly stating he is “5-8 ½” rather than rounding up, a trait that adds to his charm.
Awards and Achievements of Drew Gilbert
Drew Gilbert has accumulated several significant awards and honors throughout his amateur and professional baseball career:
- 2019 St. Paul Pioneer Press Baseball Player of the Year
- 2019 Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year
- 2019 Minnesota Mr. Baseball
- 2021 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Newcomer of the Week (twice)
- 2021 NCAA Knoxville Regional Most Outstanding Player
- 2021 USA Baseball National Collegiate Team member
- 2022 All-SEC First Team
- 2022 SEC All-Defensive Team
- 2022 SEC Tournament MVP
- 2022 SEC Tournament All-Tournament Team
- 2022 NCAA Knoxville Regional All-Tournament Team
- 2022 NCBWA All-American First Team
- 2022 ABCA/Rawlings All-American Second Team
- 2022 Baseball America All-American Second Team
- 2022 Collegiate Baseball All-American Second Team
- 2022 Perfect Game All-American Second Team
- 2022 D1Baseball.com All-American Third Team
- 2023 MLB All-Star Futures Game Selection
- 2023 Mets MLB.com Organizational All-Star
Drew Gilbert Net Worth and Income
As a professional baseball player, Drew Gilbert’s net worth is primarily derived from his playing contracts, signing bonuses, and potential endorsements. While a precise “Drew Gilbert net worth 2025” figure is not publicly disclosed, available information provides insight into his earnings.
Upon being drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round (28th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft, Gilbert signed for a substantial bonus of $2.5 million. This signing bonus represents a significant portion of his early career earnings.
In 2025, after being called up to the Major Leagues with the San Francisco Giants, Gilbert’s MLB salary reflects his time spent at the major league level. His 2025 payroll salary is reported as $208,386. Spotrac.com estimates his career earnings, combining his signing bonus and MLB salary, to be approximately $2,708,386 as of 2025.
As a young, developing player, Gilbert’s income will likely increase significantly as he establishes himself in the Major Leagues, potentially earning higher salaries through arbitration and free agency, along with opportunities for lucrative endorsement deals. However, at this early stage of his MLB career, his net worth is largely tied to his initial signing bonus and entry-level MLB salary.
Legacy and Influence
Drew Gilbert’s legacy is currently in its nascent stages, as he is just beginning his Major League Baseball career. However, his journey thus far has already showcased qualities that could define a lasting impact on the sport and its aspiring athletes. His time at the University of Tennessee cemented his status as a passionate and influential college player. Gilbert was described by his college coach, Tony Vitello, as a player who “changed my life” and profoundly impacted the Tennessee baseball program by setting a high bar for work ethic and fostering a culture of competition and self-belief. This speaks to his leadership qualities and ability to inspire teammates, making him a role model for aspiring collegiate players.
Gilbert’s intense, “fiery” playing style and emotional competitiveness are notable aspects of his public image. While sometimes leading to on-field confrontations, this unbridled passion also endears him to fans and teammates who appreciate his commitment and drive. His ascent to the MLB, despite being slightly undersized for a typical power hitter at 5-foot-9, demonstrates that skill, grit, and a well-rounded toolset can overcome perceived physical limitations. This narrative could influence younger players to focus on their overall game and competitive spirit rather than solely on physical stature.
As his career progresses, his impact will likely grow through his performance, potential community involvement, and how he navigates the challenges of professional sports. His “no doubt” center fielder defense and solid all-around tools suggest a player who could have a long and successful career, influencing the next generation through his example of hard work and dedication.
Interesting Facts about Drew Gilbert
Two-Way Talent: In high school and briefly at college, Drew Gilbert was a formidable two-way player, excelling both as a pitcher and an outfielder. In his junior year of high school, he recorded 100 strikeouts in 55.2 innings and had a 0.63 ERA.
”Gillygoobear” Nickname: Gilbert is known by the nickname “Gillygoobear” and uses @chillygoobear as his Instagram handle.
Honest About Height: Unlike many athletes who might round up their height, Gilbert is famously candid, stating he is “5-8 ½. No give, though. Wish it was about 5-11, 6 feet. But that’s never going to be the case.” He is officially listed at 5’9″.
Instant Professional Impact: In his very first professional at-bat with the Florida Complex League Astros, Gilbert hit a home run, signaling his immediate offensive capabilities.
Part of Major Trades: Gilbert has been involved in two significant MLB trades early in his professional career. He was traded from the Astros to the Mets in the Justin Verlander deal in 2023, and then from the Mets to the Giants in a trade for Tyler Rogers in 2025. Coincidentally, he met Justin Verlander, the player he was traded for, after landing with the Giants, calling him a “legend.”
Fiery Competitor: Gilbert is widely known for his intense, emotional, and fiery demeanor on the field, which has led to memorable moments, including an ejection in a crucial college Super Regional game. His college coach described him as having a “loud personality on the field because he wants to win so much.”
Controversies
Drew Gilbert’s professional career has been relatively free of major controversies, with most notable incidents stemming from his passionate playing style on the field. The most significant “controversy” occurred during his collegiate career. In June 2022, while playing for the University of Tennessee in the NCAA Super Regional against Notre Dame, Gilbert was ejected and subsequently suspended for one game.
The ejection happened in the fifth inning after he demonstratively disagreed with a strike call. According to the umpires’ crew chief, Billy Van Raaphorst, Gilbert had been arguing pitches earlier in the game and had been warned to direct comments only to his team. Following a specific strike call in the fifth inning, Gilbert reportedly yelled an expletive, followed by another as he walked out of the batter’s box, leading to his ejection. This incident generated significant discussion among college baseball fans and media due to its timing in a critical elimination game, highlighting Gilbert’s intense competitive fire. Despite the suspension, he returned for the decisive third game of the series.
Aside from this college incident, his professional career has seen minor setbacks due to injuries, such as a dislocated right elbow in 2022 after colliding with an outfield wall and hamstring issues in 2024 and early 2025. These are typical challenges for athletes and are not considered controversies but rather hurdles he has overcome.
Social Media Presence
Drew Gilbert maintains an active presence on social media platforms, primarily Instagram. His official Instagram account is @chillygoobear, where he shares updates and insights into his professional and personal life. As a burgeoning MLB player, his follower count is likely to increase as his career progresses.
Verified information regarding a public Twitter (now X) account or a YouTube channel (Drew Gilbert YouTube) specifically for Drew Gilbert focused on his personal content or vlogs is not readily available through official sources. While baseball news and highlights often feature him on team and league social media channels, his personal online presence is most prominently represented by his Instagram profile.
Final Words about Drew Gilbert
Drew Gilbert, at 24 years old, stands at a pivotal juncture in his professional baseball journey. Having made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Francisco Giants in August 2025, he has achieved a significant milestone after a dynamic collegiate career and a rapid ascent through multiple minor league systems. His current status as an active outfielder for the Giants places him firmly in the spotlight, poised to make a substantial impact at the highest level of the sport.
Gilbert’s legacy is still being written, but early indications point to a player defined by exceptional competitive drive, versatility, and a well-rounded skill set that includes strong hitting, above-average speed, and a powerful throwing arm. His ability to overcome injuries and adapt to multiple organizational changes in a short period speaks volumes about his resilience and dedication. As he establishes himself in MLB, his influence is expected to grow, inspiring younger players with his story of determination, especially given his candidness about his physical stature not being a barrier to success.
Looking ahead, Drew Gilbert’s future plans undoubtedly revolve around solidifying his position as an everyday Major League outfielder and contributing significantly to the San Francisco Giants. His continued development at the plate and in the field will be key as he navigates the rigors of MLB. With his passion and talent, the “Drew Gilbert wiki” will undoubtedly continue to expand with more achievements and milestones in the years to come, further cementing his place in professional baseball. His career trajectory suggests a player with the potential for long-term success and a lasting impact on the game.