The Mets are fighting on multiple fronts this winter, in an effort to win in 2021 while complementing the farm system.
On the latter front, the organization added a piece on Wednesday-evening, acquiring outfielder Khalil Lee from the Royals in a three-way deal that also included the Red Sox.
In the deal, the Mets surrendered (to Boston) pitcher Josh Winckowski, who arrived in the recent transaction that sent Steven Matz to Toronto. The Mets will also surrender a player named later to complete the deal. Kansas City bought Boston’s Andrew Benintendi commercially. Franchy Cordero went from Kansas City to Boston.
Lee, 22, was rated by the MLB pipeline as the Royals’ No. 8 prospect. In 2019, he stole 53 bases at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he cut .264 / .363 / .372 and played in midfield. He was selected by the Royals in the third round of the 2016 concept from Flint Hill School in Oakton, Virginia.
The trade is filling a need for the Mets, who are lean in outfield prospects at the higher levels of the minor leagues. Outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who was selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2018 draft, was dealt to the Mariners in the trade that brought Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano to New York. Last summer, the Mets used their first-round pick on high school outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
In exchange for Matz last month, the Mets took over minor league pitchers Sean Reid-Foley and Yennsy Diaz from Toronto, alongside Winckowski.
The Mets officially announced that Albert Almora Jr. has signed a contract for one year. To make room on the 40-person roster, Corey Oswalt was assigned for assignment. Once Jonathan Villar’s signing becomes official, the Mets should open a new roster space.