Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
For the second time this offseason, the New York Mets are involved in a three-team trade. This time, New York is acquiring the Royals No. 8 prospect Khalil Lee, in a deal that is sending Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi to Kansas City.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets are trading RHP Josh Winckowski in the deal along with a player to be named later. New York acquired Winckowski just last month, in the deal that sent Steven Matz to the Toronto Blue Jays.
From the Mets perspective this is simply a prospect swap, but one that really helps an area of their farm system where they did not have much depth. Lee gives the Mets an outfield prospect that can start the season in Triple-A, and rise to the majors far quicker than their other top prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was just drafted last year.
Lee was the Royals third-round pick in 2016 and was added to their 40-man roster this winter since he was eligible for the Rule-5 draft for the first time.
In 2019, Lee played 129 games in Double-A for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. He hit .264/.363/.372, with a .735 OPS. Where Lee really brings his value is with his speed, as he stole 53 bases in 2019.
The 22-year-old center fielder is certainly an interesting addition for the Mets, as they continue to remain active in the trade market leading up to spring training.
