The Mets are fighting battles 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 night to acquire field worker Khalil Lee of the Royals in a three-way deal that also includes the Red Sox.
In the deal, the Mets (Boston) surrendered to thrower Josh Winckowski, who came into the recent trade that Steven Matz sent to Toronto. The Mets will also hand over a player who will be named later to complete the deal. Kansas City acquired Andrew Benintendi in Boston. Franchy Cordero is from Kansas City to Boston.
Lee (22) is named by the MLB pipeline as the prospect of the Royals. In 2019, he stole 53 bases in Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he hacked .264 / .363 / .372 and played in midfield. He was selected by the Royals in the third round of the 2016 draft of Flint Hill School in Oakton, Va.
The trade fulfills a need for the Mets, who have little prospects of outfield at the top level of the minor leagues. Outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who selected the Mets in the first round of the 2018 draft, was given to the Mariners in the trade that brought Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano to New York. Last summer, the Mets used their first round on high school fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
In the trade for Matz last month, the Mets, in addition to Winckowski, also acquired the small pitchers Sean Reid-Foley and Yennsy Diaz of Toronto.
The Mets have officially signed Albert Almora Jr. announced on a one-year contract. Corey Oswalt was named for the assignment to create space in the 40s. Once the signing of Jonathan Villar becomes official, the Mets will have to open up another roster.