The Mets are fighting on several fronts this winter, trying to win in 2021 while completing the farm system.
On the latter front, the organization added a piece on Wednesday night, acquiring Royals’ Khalil Lee outfield in a three-way deal, which also included the Red Sox.
In the transaction, the Mets surrendered (to Boston), pitcher Josh Winckowski, who arrived in the recent transaction that sent Steven Matz to Toronto. The Mets will also hand over a player who will be named later to complete the deal. Kansas City bought Andrew Benintendi from Boston on sale. Franchy Cordero left Kansas City for Boston.
Lee, 22, was assessed as prospectus no. 8 of the Royals by the MLB pipeline. In 2019 he stole 53 bases at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he hit .264 / .363 / .372 and played center field. He was selected by the Royals in the third round of the 2016 draft at Flint Hill School in Oakton, Virginia.
The transaction covers the Mets’ need, which is weak in outfield prospects at the higher levels of the minor leagues. Outfielder Jarred Kelenic, selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2018 draft, was assigned to the Mariners in the job that brought Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano to New York. Last summer, the Mets used their pick in the first round at Pete Crow-Armstrong High School.
In the deal for Matz last month, the Mets acquired minor league pitchers Sean Reid-Foley and Yennsy Diaz from Toronto in addition to Winckowski.
The Mets have officially announced the signing of Albert Almora Jr. on a one-year contract. To create space on the list of 40 people, Corey Oswalt was appointed to the award. Once Jonathan Villar’s signing becomes official, the Mets will have to open another list space.