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Portrait of Austin Meadows

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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 24)
PA AVG HR R RBI SB DRC+ WARP
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Birth Date5-3-1995
Height6' 3"
Weight225 lbs
Age28 years, 10 months, 25 days
BatsL
ThrowsL
2015
2016
2017
-0.02018
0.22019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

YEAR TEAM AGE G PA H 2B 3B HR BB SO HBP SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ DRAA BRR FRAA BWARP
2018 PIT 23 49 165 45 8 2 5 8 35 1 4 1 .292 .327 .468 95 -0.4 -1.1 -1.8 0.1
2018 TBA 23 10 26 6 1 0 1 2 5 0 1 0 .250 .308 .417 95 -0.1 -0.1 -1.4 -0.1
2019 TBA 24 138 591 154 29 7 33 54 131 7 12 7 .291 .364 .558 135 29.8 -3.5 1.1 3.7
Career19778220538939641718178.290.354.53412529.3-4.7-2.13.6

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G PA oppAVG oppOBP oppSLG BABIP BPF BRAA repLVL POS_ADJ DRC+ DRC+ SD FRAA BRR DRAA BWARP
2013 JAM A- NYP 5 22 .237 .318 .325 .636 105 5.3 0.6 0.1 233 0 0.5 0.5 2.3 0.4
2013 PIR Rk GCL 43 189 .242 .317 .340 .372 101 12 5.8 -0.1 159 0 0.6 -2.4 4.1 0.8
2014 WVA A SAL 38 167 .261 .327 .388 .383 107 5.9 4.7 0.4 130 0 0.6 -0.3 2.7 0.8
2014 BRI Rk APP 5 18 .000 .000 .000 .091 0.0 50 0 0.0 0.0 -1.3 0.0
2014 PIR Rk GCL 2 6 .000 .000 .000 1.000 0.0 281 0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.0
2015 BRD A+ FSL 121 556 .250 .312 .338 .351 95 18.4 15.0 0.8 140 0 -15.2 -0.1 10.6 1.2
2015 ALT AA EAS 6 28 .259 .302 .379 .450 98 3.6 0.8 0.1 138 0 -0.3 -0.2 0.6 0.1
2015 GDD Wnt AFL 16 67 .000 .000 .000 .192 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
2016 WEV A- NYP 5 17 .244 .313 .328 .214 96 -0.7 0.5 0 94 0 0.6 -0.4 -0.5 0.0
2016 ALT AA EAS 45 190 .258 .323 .385 .343 109 13.8 5.1 0.1 150 0 2.0 0.8 6.6 1.6
2016 IND AAA INT 37 145 .252 .323 .382 .236 99 3.8 4.1 0 92 0 -3.3 0.9 -2.9 -0.1
2017 WEV A- NYP 5 24 .222 .289 .319 .278 106 -0.4 0.7 -0.2 109 0 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.1
2017 IND AAA INT 72 312 .258 .322 .396 .289 93 -2.9 9.2 -1.1 92 0 -2.7 3.7 -2.2 0.7
2017 PIR Rk GCL 4 14 .244 .307 .333 .600 94 4.6 0.4 -0.1 123 0 -0.8 0.1 0.2 0.0
2018 PIT MLB NL 49 165 .242 .309 .388 .345 95 5.2 4.6 -0.6 95 13 -1.8 -1.1 -0.4 0.1
2018 TBA MLB AL 10 26 .243 .315 .406 .278 102 0 0.7 -0.3 95 13 -1.4 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1
2018 DUR AAA INT 27 106 .242 .306 .373 .311 100 13.8 3.1 -0.3 157 0 -1.4 -1.6 15.7 1.6
2018 IND AAA INT 42 179 .258 .322 .401 .314 93 1.3 5.3 -0.6 154 0 -1.8 2.4 15.1 2.1
2019 TBA MLB AL 138 591 .255 .322 .445 .331 95 37.6 17.9 -7.4 135 11 1.1 -3.5 29.8 3.7

Statistics For All Levels

Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
Year Team lvl LG PA AB R H 2B 3B HR TB RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG ISO SF SH
2013 JAM A- NYP 22 17 8 9 0 0 2 15 2 5 4 0 0 .529 .636 .882 .353 0 0
2013 PIR Rk GCL 189 160 29 47 11 5 5 83 20 24 42 3 2 .294 .399 .519 .225 0 1
2014 PIR Rk GCL 6 4 1 4 2 1 0 8 1 2 0 0 0 1.000 1.000 2.000 1.000 0
2014 BRI Rk APP 18 14 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 0 0 .071 .235 .071 .000 0
2014 WVA A SAL 167 146 18 47 13 1 3 71 15 14 30 2 3 .322 .388 .486 .164 2
2015 GDD Wnt AFL 67 65 7 11 2 2 1 20 11 2 12 3 0 .169 .194 .308 .138 0 0
2015 BRD A+ FSL 556 508 72 156 22 4 7 207 54 41 79 20 7 .307 .357 .407 .100 3 4
2015 ALT AA EAS 28 25 5 9 2 3 0 17 1 2 5 1 0 .360 .429 .680 .320 0 0
2016 ALT AA EAS 190 167 33 52 16 8 6 102 23 16 32 9 3 .311 .365 .611 .299 5 1
2016 WEV A- NYP 17 15 0 3 2 0 0 5 0 2 1 0 0 .200 .294 .333 .133 0 0
2016 IND AAA INT 145 126 16 27 7 3 6 58 24 15 34 8 2 .214 .297 .460 .246 3 0
2017 IND AAA INT 312 284 48 71 19 0 4 102 36 24 50 11 3 .250 .311 .359 .109 2 0
2017 PIR Rk GCL 14 13 3 7 2 1 1 14 7 1 2 0 0 .538 .571 1.077 .538 0 0
2017 WEV A- NYP 24 21 2 5 1 0 0 6 3 3 3 0 0 .238 .333 .286 .048 0 0
2018 TBA MLB AL 26 24 3 6 1 0 1 10 4 2 5 1 0 .250 .308 .417 .167 0 0
2018 PIT MLB NL 165 154 16 45 8 2 5 72 13 8 35 4 1 .292 .327 .468 .175 2 0
2018 DUR AAA INT 106 96 19 33 11 0 10 74 22 8 13 1 1 .344 .396 .771 .427 1 0
2018 IND AAA INT 179 165 27 46 13 0 2 65 21 9 24 11 1 .279 .318 .394 .115 1 3
2019 TBA MLB AL 591 530 83 154 29 7 33 296 89 54 131 12 7 .291 .364 .558 .268 0 0

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr% CSAA
2018 773 0.4890 0.4476 0.8006 0.6111 0.2911 0.9048 0.5913 0.1994 0.0000
2019 2495 0.4782 0.4188 0.7636 0.5801 0.2711 0.8540 0.5864 0.2364 0.0000
Career32680.48080.42560.77240.58740.27580.86600.58760.22760.0000

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2014-03-31 2014-07-12 Minors 103 0 - Thigh Recovery From Previous Injury Strain - Hamstring - -
2014-03-05 2014-03-31 Camp 26 0 - Thigh Strain Hamstring - -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2023 DET $4,300,000
2022 TBA $4,000,000
2021 TBA $581,400
2020 TBA $578,900
2019 TBA $557,400
2018 TBA $
YearsDescriptionSalary
5 yrPrevious$10,017,700
5 yrTotal$10,017,700

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
5 y 74 dExcel2024

Details
  • 1 year/$4.3M (2023). Re-signed by Detroit 11/18/22 (avoided arbitration). Performance bonus: $25,000 for 600 plate appearances. Non-tendered by Detroit 11/17/23.
  • 1 year/$4M (2022). Re-signed by Tampa Bay 3/22/22 (avoided arbitration). Acquired by Detroit in trade from Tampa Bay 4/4/22.
  • 1 year/$581,400 (2021). Re-signed by Tampa Bay 3/21.
  • 1 year/$578,900 (2020). Re-signed by Tampa Bay 3/20.
  • 1 year/$557,400 (2019). Re-signed by Tampa Bay 3/19.
  • 1 year (2018). Contract selected by Pittsburgh 11/20/17. Re-signed by Pittsburgh 3/18. Acquired by Tampa Bay in trade from Pittsburgh 7/31/18.
  • Drafted by Pittsburgh 2013 (1-9) (Grayson HS, Loganville, Ga.). $3.0296M signing bonus (slot amount).

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT PA R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ VORP FRAA WARP
90o 49 11 3 0 2 3 9 1 0 .244 .292 .444 97 0.0 RF 0, 0.0
80o 33 7 2 0 1 2 6 1 0 .233 .281 .400 90 0.0 RF 0, 0.0
70o 21 5 1 0 1 1 4 1 0 .263 .300 .474 86 0.0 RF 0, 0.0
60o 11 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 .200 .273 .300 82 0.0 RF 0, 0.0
50o 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 78 0.0 RF 0, 0.0
Weighted Mean300000100.000.000.000790.0RF 0,0.0

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

Click here to see articles tagged with Austin Meadows

BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2021-02-23 12:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Mike, Thoughts on the final 2021 stat lines for Austin Meadows and Ramon Laureano?
(James from NY)
I see a bounce back for both, although I'm less confident in Meadows' stolen bases going forward than Laureano's. The general consensus on Meadows' projection is 25/10/.255 which seems about right. I could see the AVG being higher. Laureano is similar, but I could see him stealing 15-20 if he gets in 162 games or close to it. (Mike Gianella)
2019-04-19 18:00:00 (link to chat)14 team, H2H points, dynasty league... in a vacuum who wins: Jack Flaherty for Austin Meadows?
(Bart from Minnesota )
Other than the absolute elite starters, I'm always going to go with offense over pitching. I do like Flaherty's upside. Inside that vacuum and based on performance so far, I'd be looking to get a bit more in return along with Flaherty if I were dealing Meadows. (Scott Delp)
2019-02-08 11:00:00 (link to chat)As a Rays fan, I generally understood the projections for the team. However, one that stood out was Austin Meadows, who is projected to produce -0.5 WARP with a 77 DRC+ over 450 ABs. Brandon Lowe, after struggling in 2017 and having a similarly productive season in 2018, is projected for 1.1 WARP. I get Meadows didn't produce a ton in 2017, but that projection is still a pretty steep drop in performance for a guy that put up a 150ish DRC+ at two AAA stops and topped it off with a 95 DRC+ in the majors as a 23 year old. I know there's it's not really a subjective matter, but what do you think is dragging his projection down?
(Duhbear from Vermont)
Good question. I think the issue is how much weight you put into each stop, which is going to be based both on recency and, naturally, amount of plate appearances. Also, MLEs are hard. (Harry Pavlidis)
2018-11-29 23:00:00 (link to chat)Any belief that Austin Meadows has turned a corner and the power surge in Tampa was real?
(Duhbear from VT)
It's never been about corner-turning with Meadows so much as staying on the field long enough to get down the block. He's always had decent (50 or 55) raw, and I wouldn't put *too* much stock into the results from a hot streak at Durham, but he's always had the talent to become a first-division player. (Wilson Karaman)
2018-02-05 12:00:00 (link to chat)What do we make of Austin Meadows? Can he still be a 20-20 player in the Majors?
(PL from Boston)
There's a few guys on this list that just felt like dart throws. I don't like the process to be like that, but it happens sometimes. I really don't know. I struggled with him at midseason too. The injuries are an issue, but a separate issue from his Triple-A struggles. Well, maybe they are. I think the upside is still there, but man I'd like to see a healthy consolidation season where he mashes in Indy. (Top 101 with Jeffrey Paternostro)
2017-08-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who will have the most upside and how do you rate these player coming up.Jose Adolis Garcia, Austin Meadows, Renato Nunez,
(OB1 from Tampa)
Meadows, yawning gap, Nunez, yawning gap, Garcia. But I'm not much of a prospect guy, in truth, so please consider that an only lightly educated opinion. (Matthew Trueblood)
2017-08-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)My farm consists of Gleyber Torres, Vlad Guerrero Jr, Franklin Barreto, Austin Meadows, Scott Kingery, Mickey Moniak, Blake Rutherford, Michael Kopech, Mitch Keller and Tyler Mahle. Plus recently graduated Amed Rosario, Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier. Is there any positions or areas I should focus on as I work to be competitive in 2019?
(Trip from SC)
Trip. Dude. You're kidding me, right? That is a ridiculous farm system, and seems pretty well-timed for your 2019 target date. I mean, really.

Just to be sure, I checked with Scooter Hotz of our prospects team. His take: "I agree with your assessment. I would also add that with prospects, don’t worry about positional need. Focus on getting the best prospects regardless of position. If you end up with a surplus of players at a position in the majors, use the trade market to re-organize your roster positionally. That will give you more value than prioritizing positional need over getting the best player available."

(I will note that Scooter and I are in a fantasy league together. I've spent the entire year with a surplus of OFs and a lack of RPs, and he had a surplus of RPs and a lack of OFs, and we never got it together to make a trade. So do as we say, not as we do) (Rob Mains)
2017-08-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)Whats Austin Meadows ceiling?
(Jeb from IC)
Jeb, this may become a really pertinent question...Meadows, as you know, has had kind of a wasted year. Came out of the gate terribly, starting hitting, then got hurt. I think he's going to be a decent major league player. He has all five tools, though--searching for the right metaphor--they're not enormous tools? I mean, he can do a lot of stuff OK, but not great. In other words--he's not going to make anyone forget Andrew McCutchen. Actually, he'll probably flash a better glove and arm than Cutch, but it's hard to see him matching anything McCutchen does at the plate.

Jarrett Seidler adds: "That's about right, he's never really put it together at the same time and we are starting to worry about the constant injuries reducing the talent." (Rob Mains)
2017-07-06 12:00:00 (link to chat)I know these lists are the consensus of several minds, but where do YOU personally stand with Austin Meadows these days? Curious as to your thoughts.
(Mike from OH)
I think the consensus and me personally both landed on "I really don't know." Have a supplemental piece about the guys I just don't know about (Meadows, Crawford, Pint, Giolito, Reyes) coming soon. (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2017-07-19 17:00:00 (link to chat)What should the Pirates do with Cutch? Should they trade him at the deadline?
(Jeb from Des Moines)
Probably, yeah. Austin Meadows - injuries willing - is waiting, and the Pirates are going to be buried under the Brewers, Cubs, and possibly the Cardinals for a while. But the issue is: who needs a guy like Cutch? None of the NL West contenders really need an OF, the Astros don't need one, and the Red Sox and Yankees have full, young OFs. Rays could make a surprise play, but man, the options are really limited. (Brett Cowett)
2017-07-13 14:00:00 (link to chat)Any guys on the BP Midseason top 50 dynasty prospects list you're higher on than their ranking?
(kjesanis from Maine)
Maybe Austin Meadows? I'm just as scared about his injury history as everyone else, but I think he could be special when he's on the field. I also love me some Adrian Morejon. (Mark Barry)
2017-05-03 20:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on Austin Meadows? What is his upside?
(Justin from Des Moines)
He's had a run of bad luck with injuries. It happens. He's obviously got nothing to prove in AA. Is he going to be as good as Peak Cutch? Probably not. There's a chance right now he evolves into a disappointment for some. Let's give him a chance to hit for a while when healthy before there's any reason for concern, but it might be ok to lower expectations a little. (David Brown)
2017-05-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on Austin Meadows? What is his upside?
(Tim from Pittsburgh)
He's a potential five-category impact fantasy monster. The upside is a first/second round fantasy pick at his peak. The nagging health issues are the lone concern. (George Bissell)
2017-05-18 13:00:00 (link to chat)Austin Meadows is hitting about .210 since moving up to AAA last season. Any concern?
(Tom from PA)
Slight, but Triple-A is weird. (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2017-05-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thoughts on Austin Meadows? What is his upside?
(Jim from Kentucky)
I like him a lot. Would like him more if he had a bit better health track record. Heard a Yelich comp once which I liked and has stuck with me. (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2017-03-23 20:00:00 (link to chat)Hey Mark. Which prospects are you higher on than your colleagues & why? Vice versa which ones are you lower on & why?
(David from Atlantis)
I don't know that I have any outlandish rankings, but I like Blake Rutherford higher than his position on the top 101. Same for Zack Collins. Austin Meadows is consensus top 10 in most places, but I might have him in the top 3.

As far as lower, I'm just not sure I get it with Manuel Margot. In fantasy, at least. (Mark Barry)
2017-02-14 12:00:00 (link to chat)Kyle Tucker similar to Austin Meadows?
(Hank from Texas)
Man, everyone I talked to internally and externally talked up Tucker's power. Meadows finally found his, so why not. Meadows is more athletic and a better center fielder, even if the Pirates will play him in a corner. Very, very different swings though. (The Top 101 Prospect Chat with Jeffrey Paternostro)
2017-01-06 13:00:00 (link to chat)Please rank the following OF prospects based upon impact this season: Lewis Brinson, Roman Quinn, Dalton Pompey, Austin Meadows, and Nick Williams. Thanks and Cheers...
(LoyalRoyal from KS)
Man, that is tough, since there is a strong case that none of them will see significant major league time.

I guess Meadows 1, contingent on how quickly--or if--they move Cutch. Then Quinn, Brinson, Williams, Pompey. Could see Brinson and Williams needing an adjustment period in the majors, and I don't know if the Jays have a use for Pompey. (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2016-12-08 23:00:00 (link to chat)With the Bucs seemingly itching to move McCutcheon, who benefits the most: Josh Bell or Austin Meadows?
(Punchoutpappy from First in Flight)
Well as things stand Bell's pretty much got an inside track to the first base gig anyway, no? I mean Jaso and Freese are kicking around and all, but he's probably the guy. Shipping Cutch obviously frees up more PAs in the corners, assuming non-conflicting return and Marte sliding over to center, so I guess he could marginally benefit as a result? Meadows figures to be the guy long term, but he's not ready quite yet. (Wilson Karaman)
2016-11-22 20:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on Austin Meadows? What is his upside? How good can he actually be?
(Justin from Burgh)
Meadows, on the other hand, absolutely has a chance to be a star. His upside probably involves MVP awards. But again, that's upside. (Jarrett Seidler)
2016-11-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on Kevin Newman and Austin Meadows?
(Hector from Arizona)
Newman's hit tool is legit, I just don't know if he does enough else to be more than a solid everyday guy. Meadows is a stud. I keep coming back to Christian Yelich as a comp for him. (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2016-09-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on Josh Bell, James Taillon, Tyler Glasnow, Austin Meadows, and Mitch Keller? Seems as though the Pirates have a lot of young talent in that farm system year after year.
(Jeb from Iowa)
It's a very strong system. Bell could start at first next season, Taillon has locked up a rotation spot, and I'm fascinated to see what they do with their outfield this offseason. There's a legitimate case for trading Andrew McCutchen. (Brendan Gawlowski)
2016-08-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)In standard NL-only fantasy league with 8 keepers per team, would you drop Austin Meadows or J.P. Crawford to make room for Dylan Cozens?
(Kingpin from Grinnell, IA)
I don't play fantasy nowadays, so I can't even say "only if you are in my league." (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2016-08-11 14:00:00 (link to chat)What can you tell me about Meadows and Newman? How good can they be in real life and in fantasy?
(Jim from Chicago)
Austin Meadows is a potential stud, offering double-digit homers and 20-plus stolen bases with a good batting average. He's probably better in real life, too, given his defensive value. Kevin Newman, on the other hand, isn't really my jam. He's a good hitter, but doesn't offer much in terms of power or speed. Those kinda guys -- in the Martin Prado mold -- are much more valuable in real life than in fantasy. Newman is a guy I'd absolutely be trying to sell high on in dynasty leagues. (J.P. Breen)
2016-08-11 14:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think the Pirates are going to do with McCutchen? Trade him this offseason? Trade him whenever Meadows is ready? Try to extend him? Let him walk at the end of his contract? Also, what could a return package look like for the Pirates?
(Jim from Kentucky)
The Pirates should seriously consider moving McCutchen this winter if they believe Austin Meadows is ready to be the everyday guy in center field. It will be a tough sell for the fanbase, especially if they fail to make the postseason this year, but it's what smaller-market clubs have to do. As far as a potential return package is concerned, I have no idea. He'll be 30 and on a decent contract, so I'd imagine it starts with a top-20 prospect or a quality MLB regular at the league minimum. Beyond that, anyone is just guessing. (J.P. Breen)
2016-08-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on Austin Meadows and Kevin Newman? What are their upsides?
(Tim from NC)
The camp is a little bit split with Newman. Some scouts see a no doubt shortstop with a quality bat and some pop. Others aren't sold on his defense and think the bat is a touch light. I think he can play shortstop long term but I do think the bat is only contact oriented. He just won't hit for any power and that limits his ceiling for me. Nice player but I think the hype is a little out of control. With Meadows you're looking at a corner outfielder with a solid average to a tick above arm and some pop. He controls the zone well for a younger player but still needs to work on his plate discipline. Overall a very solid player that the Pirates are happy to have. (James Fisher)
2016-07-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)How would you rank the following OF prospects? Austin Meadows, Lewis Brinson, Nick Williams, Tyler O'Neill
(Jim from Kansas)
Meadows, Brinson, Nick Williams, Tyler O'Neil.

I'm probably grasping at some straws with O'Neil, who I only have seen briefly in Cactus League this Spring and didn't walk away with a good feel for positively or negatively. Bearing that in mind, I'd still say the two guys I would really want are Meadows and Brinson of these four. Like really want--as in our Trade Deadline piece that was just released today (it's cool, it's on the home page, check it out--fun simulation)--Meadows and Brinson would be the two I could value enough such that moving a contributory current big league piece would be the play in certain teams' situations.

I don't dislike Nick Williams or Tyler O'Neil, but neither of them probably would be the prospect that makes a trade go for me in July if I'm parting with a genuinely above-average big leaguer, if that makes sense. The impact that Meadows and Brinson provide in the best case is just a lot more significant in my opinion.

Let's hope Meadows can stay healthy, and Brinson keeps working to find more overall consistency. Both have the raw tools of key franchise power/speed outfielders if their question marks click. Meadows showed flashes this season that wowed scouts, and we had a lot of late pushes for him shooting way up our Midseason Top 50. (Adam McInturff)
2016-07-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you believe Austin Meadows can stay healthy often enough to be an impact bat in the majors? What do you see his numbers looking like in '17 or '18? Thanks.
(Vinnie from Suburbia)
I'm going to just take this one now, seeing as Meadows was just the topic of conversation above.

I'm certainly not an expert on injuries, and the Pirates are very creative and progressive in terms of keeping their athletes healthy. So I guess you can look at this two ways: he's young enough that health issues now have time to decrease with time (#NotAdoctor), or he's a player showing very troubling predisposition to get hurt--and get hurt at a young age with a team who generally has managed to keep their players healthy.

From a tools perspective, I really think Meadows is about as good as you're going to find in the Minors. I know that's a fairly bold thing to say, but after seeing a little bit of him in the Fall League (where he really looked good to me), and certainly this year, 'it' really is there when he's locked in. He's physical enough to have some power in his game, but athletic enough at least to be mobile and productive on both sides of the ball--even if he's not in centerfield necessarily. It's the hitting that stands out, and I can see an impact bat, especially at the position he *could be* situated at (Pirates crazy outfield depth notwithstanding...) It's that very fluid, short path to the ball with the size and natural leverage for power. What stands out to me is how level a path he'll have through the zone, and how much of the zone he's able to cover, without sacrificing power. Left-handed-hitting athletes with the chance to hit consistently and produce power as well are impact guys. (Adam McInturff)
2016-07-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Tyler O'Neill has really put up some nice numbers this season. How do you see him developing moving forward and what kind of numbers should we expect out of him? Cheers
(Barney from Coopersmith)
Similarly to the just-answered double-up on Austin Meadows, O'Neil was asked about earlier and there's a few other questions about the Mariners' slugging prospect as well.

I don't have as much a feel for O'Neill relative to some other players, mostly due to locale as anything. I don't really see any Southern League, though I do try and keep up with video and asking around on guys that fall into this category.

With that said, I think he's the type of player that's demonstrating that his power is real, and that he's able to get hot and mash a little bit. Whether that's the type of player with his frame, swing-type, and toolset that's a star versus an offensively-minded left field type is more the question. He isn't the type of player that scouts project crazily on, but that shouldn't diminish the significance of the fact that he just turned 21 and is producing power like this at the Double-A level.

Let's say for now that he maybe fits a mold tools-wise of a guy that has to hit a lot and 'prove he can hit' at every level, as they say, and there's some length to his swing with strikeouts. Continuing to develop the ability to walk will be important, as that can buoy inconsistencies in pure hit tools, namely for power hitters. (Adam McInturff)
2016-07-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Tito Polo is showing a lot more pop this season. He's got a HR in consecutive games for Bradenton. What are your thoughts on his development?
(Steve from Pittsburgh)
He was a really interesting player to get to see at West Virginia. Polo raked for the Power, albeit with a toolset and frame that are going to keep scouts more suspect until he shows that it clicks at higher levels.

He's very muscular and has real power for a shorter player. The way his game power has emerged this year is a reflection of raw power that's there, with more contact ability this year than last. That said, he's really a left field frame, was already old for the level even if he wasn't repeating it, and...he was repeating the level.

I see him as a raw power RHH corner type of bat who has that bench bat or maybe platoon look to me...I would keep that ceiling in mind, a guy who could get there on the strength of what he can do, but might have some 'cant's' that could get in his way of everyday play in Pittsburgh. Then factor in how deep the Pirates OF already is, and the presence of Austin Meadows, and maybe a Harold Ramirez.

Makes you even just throw out there in a "pie in the sky" type of way if for all the reasons above, he's a good second or third prospect chip in a larger deal...Pittsburgh trying to sell high on him as a complementary player in a deal, if that route is the one they so choose. (Adam McInturff)
2016-06-20 16:00:00 (link to chat)Who has the brightest future Clint Frazier, Victor Robles, Bradley Zimmer, Nick Williams, or Austin Meadows? Who is more likely to reach their potential? Thank you
(Bsg from Tucson)
Brightest: Victor Robles, Clint Frazier, Nick Williams, Bradley Zimmer, Austin Meadows
You could put those 5 in any order and I don't think you would be wrong.

Likely: Austin Meadows, Bradley Zimmer, Victor Robles, Nick Williams, Clint Frazier
I think Meadows is the safest of this bunch, Robles is still very young and hasn't faced any competition above A ball. Williams and Frazier both tantalize with promise but need to cut down on strikeouts. (Steve Givarz)
2016-06-20 16:00:00 (link to chat)Do you expect Austin Meadows to be a consensus Top 10 prospect across the board on the next round of mid season Top 100 updates? How high would you personally put him?
(zachasman from Columbus)
I have not seen Austin Meadows so I can not comment on if he is a Top 10 prospect. We are also working on our Midseason top 50 so I can not comment on where he will place. (Steve Givarz)
2016-06-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)How does Rutherford compare to past HS OFers such as Austin Meadows? Better or worse?
(Josh from Boston)
A little worse, but I was infatuated with Austin Meadows from the moment I saw him. That sounds stalker-ish but oh well. (Christopher Crawford)
2016-06-16 21:00:00 (link to chat)Is Austin Meadows' power surge (another homer tonight) and keeping the strikeouts down (16.7%) making you think of him any differently?
(bradmorgan27 from DC)
Not really. Still think he'll be a solid all-around hitter but without any particular skill that makes him special. More average than power or speed. (Bret Sayre)
2016-06-21 20:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on Austin Meadows and Josh Bell and their future upsides?
(Jeb from IC)
I like both of them a lot, although I went to a BP event a couple of years ago in NY where Jason Parks wasn't that big on Meadows' future potential. I think most of those concerns have been wiped away by what Meadows has done this year, though. I like the slow burn of Bell's ascent through the minors. I think he might struggle a little initially in the majors, but he should be pretty good in the medium- and long-term.

While I'm at it, here's a link to a Washington Post article that prominently features a guy named Josh Bell. It's by Gene Weingarten and it won a Pulitzer a few years ago:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html (Scooter Hotz)
2016-06-21 20:00:00 (link to chat)First time to this chat, where do you have Austin Meadows in your top prospects rankings going forward?
(Mason from Texas)
Higher than I had him going into this season, and I had him ranked at # 23 overall going into this season. Don't worry about the Pirates' outfielders at the major league level and bet on the talent. (Scooter Hotz)
2016-06-21 20:00:00 (link to chat)How would you order these OF prospects in a shallow dynasty league, and are they all basically the same tier? David Dahl, Austin Meadows, Andrew Benintendi, Victor Robles... Thanks.
(Joey from Michigan)
Excellent looking group. I like your suggestion that they're all in the same tier. Meadows is the only one to reach AAA so far but he probably has the least upside of the group. Robles is the youngest of the group and the only one who hasn't reached the high minors yet but he probably has the most upside (and the highest likelihood of flaming out and never reaching the majors). (Scooter Hotz)
2016-06-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)Pirates have three prospects that are absolutely raking in the minors in Kevin Newman, Josh Bell, and Austin Meadows. What are the upsides for all three? Thanks.
(Jim from Denver)
I think all three could be quality everyday players, with Meadows possessing the highest ceiling as a potential All-Star. (Daniel Rathman)
2016-05-16 23:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think the Pirates are going to do with their outfield in 2 years? I think they should trade McCutchen before the 2018 year, they could get a haul for him and plug Meadows in.
(Simple from World)
That's reeeaaally a problem for another day. We are a long, long way away from Austin Meadows pushing a cost-controlled MVP out of town. (Wilson Karaman)
2016-05-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)What are Josh Bell's and Austin Meadows' ceilings? Any comps for them?
(Jeb from The City)
Bell and Meadows should get on base a good bunch, and that's all I can really say about them. (Kenny Ducey)
2016-05-31 19:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think of Austin Meadows and Josh Bell?
(Ner from West Des Moines)
Austin Meadows has done a good job since being drafted in 2013 but the strikeouts are troubling. As long as the power continues to come he will has a chance to be an everyday regular. Josh Bell is a tough profile at first base because he really doesn't hit for power and the glove doesn't exactly bring on gold glove comps. (James Fisher)
2016-01-29 11:00:00 (link to chat)What does the future hold for Austin Meadows? Trade-bait?
(Otto from Pit)
I wouldn't necessarily assume that. We don't have a firm grasp on what Gregory Polanco is, the Pirates never have a ton of money to spend, so it's possible they shed one of their more expensive (if still cheap) outfielders down the line for a bigger return. I really like Meadows' profile. (Top 101 Chat with Craig Goldstein)
2015-12-01 14:00:00 (link to chat)Robles or Austin Meadows?
(Frank from Pitt)
Meadows. Robles is really intriguing, but Meadows less volatility and plenty of upside. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-11-18 13:00:00 (link to chat)Best prospect you saw at the AFL?
(Aaron from San Diego )
Alex Reyes, and I'm not sure if it was close. J.P. Crawford was the best position player I saw, followed by Austin Meadows. It was kinda a weak year, but, those guys are legit. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-09-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)What guys not on the top 20 could shoot up the lists to it next year? Guys I can grab before waivers closes in my dynasty league.
(Person from California)
I'd say Alford is one of those guys. Jose De Leon, Bradley Zimmer, Grant Holmes, Austin Meadows. There's a lot of good stuff. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-06-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Which prospect has the higher offensive ceiling, Bradley Zimmer or Nick Williams?
(BuckyDent from Trenton)
Williams has a higher ceiling than Zimmer, though both are very good hitters. Very different though. Even with his improved approach, Williams is still an aggressive hitter, and should be. It's part of his DNA. He's just learned how to control it. Zimmer, on the other hand, falls into the same profile as big leaguers like Christian Yelich and Nick Markakis and fellow prospects like Austin Meadows and Brandon Nimmo as big guys who don't hit for the big time power you'd expect from them but instead use a patient, balanced approach to be more well-rounded hitters. There's a lot to like with Zimmer. (Jeff Moore)
2015-06-10 14:00:00 (link to chat)Rank on offensive production the following emerging OF prospects: Bradley Zimmer, Billy McKinney, Austin Meadows, and Clint Coulter? Thanks...
(Prospector from Empty Mine)
Zimmer is #1 for me. I adore him. I'd probably go Zimmer, Meadows, McKinney, and Coulter. I'm still not sold on Coulter's ability to handle quality right-handers, which potentially limits him to a platoon-ish role as a corner outfielder. Still plenty of time for him to adjust and grow, though, obviously. (J.P. Breen)
2015-03-06 14:00:00 (link to chat)Who are some prospects that you are personally higher on than others? Who are some you're lower on than others too? Thanks Chris and welcome to BP.
(Bill Clinton from Las Vegas)
Dang, the president is congratulating me. This truly is the greatest day!

I feel like I'm a lot higher on Austin Meadows than everyone else. I see a ton of plus tools, and I think he could win a batting title someday while playing a quality centerfield. That's pretty good, right?

Couple guys I'm lower on are Clint Frazier, Nomar Mazara and Matz. I say Matz because I can't recall if it's Stephen or Steven. Sorry, Matz. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-02-26 20:00:00 (link to chat)Is Austin Meadows' ceiling higher than any of the current current guys in the Pirates' OF?
(Bennybizness from Pittsburgh)
Nope. Lower than all of them. (Bret Sayre)
2014-11-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Austin Meadows sounds a lot like Austin Kearns: no standout tool, and the whole is less than the sum of the parts. Hopefully he avoids having his career derailed by a fat guy sitting on his shoulder. What percentage would you put on (1) him developing, say, 20HR / .160 ISO, or (2) sticking in CF (or a Marte-like LF), respectively, so that he enjoys a solid career as an above average regular?
(Mario66 from Pittsburgh)
I have much more confidence he'll hit for power than I do he'll stick in center. When I saw him the spring of his draft year he already had a thick lower-half, broad and thick build, and wasn't particularly graceful. For me the tools have always outdistanced the in-game product, and while I love tools I'd like to see everything come together on the diamond with regularity before buying in fully. (NL Central Top 10s With Nick Faleris)
2014-11-28 13:00:00 (link to chat)what is the optimistic scouting view on Austin Meadows? 20 HR, .290-.350-.470 sound right?
(sbnbaseball from everywhere)
That would certainly be optimistic, although I can't say it would be impossible. (Tucker Blair)
2014-11-28 13:00:00 (link to chat)When healthy, it seems like Austin Meadows played way and the only reason he's low on the Pirates Top 10 is health. Expectations in 2015?
(Brent from Oklahoma)
Meadows needs to find a medium between power and contact. There is plus raw power, but it will come at the expense of contact production due to the increased leverage and excess movement involved in the swing. I think this issue and the fact that there is concern that he moves to a corner OF are more reasons that he slotted 7th than the health. Next year will reveal a ton with Meadows. I'm excited to watch it unfold. (Tucker Blair)
2014-12-11 18:00:00 (link to chat)Who would you rather have? David Dahl, Austin Meadows, or Mark Appel?
(Bob from Seattle)
David Dahl is going to blow the hell up in 2015. I'm buying big time here and have been for a while. (Mark Anderson)
2014-09-10 12:00:00 (link to chat)At the risk of "scouting the stat line", were there any updated reports on how Austin Meadows looked as the WV season progressed? His Eyewitness Account wasn't great, but it was only about 10-15 games into his low-A season so hoping he improved enough to back his stats.
(Jake from Houston)
I know it does not seem great when a 50 is thrown on a player. But believe me, that really is a true compliment on a players' ability. Most of the players in the lower minors are 20's and 30's, so a 50 is a true standout.

I do not have much else to add, as I never saw him this season and haven't talked about him with anyone. Ethan Purser has an outstanding report on him for anyone that missed it:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/eyewitness_bat.php?reportid=162 (Tucker Blair)
2014-09-03 14:00:00 (link to chat)What think you of Pirate outfielders Austin Meadows and Harold Ramirez, other than that it would be great if they could stay on the field a little longer?
(Mario66 from Pittsburgh)
Meadows has opened some eyes this year. He's showing five big league quality tools in the middle of the diamond. It's a big time profile, but yes, he needs ABs. Ramirez still has first division upside. He can hit, and the power could play as average. (Jordan Gorosh)
2014-07-22 15:00:00 (link to chat)Jordan, gun to your head (pretend, of course), which of these bats has the best chance to win an MVP in 5-7 years: Raimel Tapia, Dalton Pompey, Austin Meadows, Aaron Judge, or Rio Ruiz.
(Matt from KY)
None of them have an MVP ceiling. But, Tapia could mash his way to one, I guess. (Jordan Gorosh)
2014-07-07 11:00:00 (link to chat)Can Austin Meadows shoot up these lists with a healthy 2+ months and successful fall season?
(Me from Here)
He can certainly move up the lists with a strong showing and good reports from instructs. (Jason Parks on the Top 50)
2014-05-29 19:30:00 (link to chat)Between Josh Bell, Jacoby Jones, and Austin Meadows, who becomes the best major league regular? And what do the Pirates do with them with the outfield being pretty much set for the next 5-6 years?
(PirateCaptain from Pittsburgh)
Josh Bell > Austin Meadows >>> Jacoby Jones for me. I think Bell could end up at 1B for them and Meadows is way too far away to worry about right now. By the time he's ready in, like, 2017, who knows how McCutchen/Marte/Polanco will be performing? Jones isn't in the same tier as these guys. Hope you're enjoying the chat more than Twilight! (Ben Carsley)
2014-05-13 11:00:00 (link to chat)Who do you think will be the better MLB player. Austin Meadows or Joc Pederson?
(Aaron from LA)
Pederson and I don't think it will be remotely close. (Jason Parks)
2014-04-01 13:00:00 (link to chat)Can you elaborate on why you seem a bit lower on Austin Meadows than some of the other major publications?
(Snake from LA)
When I saw him as an amateur I wasn't blown away by his bat; loved the athleticism and tools, but when you watch a high 1st round talent get beat by fringe stuff, it sticks with you. Despite the numbers, I heard similar reports from his professional debut, and it makes me hesitant to go crazy on the kid, especially if you see the profile as a LF where the bat really has to play to have value. We still ranked him on the BP 101, so its not like we are calling him a scrub or anything. But we have a lot of looks at this kid and so far the scouting isn't as impressive as the stats. (Jason Parks)
2014-02-26 19:00:00 (link to chat)Really appreciate the chat! Who are some guys you would target after the first 15 or so picks in a rookie draft(that includes international players). I have picks 17 and 18. Would you try to package them together to move up a bit? Thanks
(Mill from Lodi)
Assuming you mean rookie draft as in new signees to an established dynasty league I think outside of the top 6 guys:

Kris Bryant, Jose Abreu, Masahiro Tanaka, Clint Frazier, Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel

it gets really clogged in the middle. I would trade the lower picks to get into the top 6 because you're talking about guys like Colin Moran and Austin Meadows down there. It's ok, but not ideal. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-01-27 13:00:00 (link to chat)I think you're selling Austin Meadows hit/power tools a little short. Kid impressed the heck out of us locals late last summer. Why should I temper my expectations and align with your analysis?
(Tim Bograckos from Jamestown, NY)
When I've put eyes on Meadows, I've been impressed with his athleticism and physical profile, but his plan at the plate and swing never did much for me. I get the short-season results, and I'm not discounting production. But I don't see a CF profile from Meadows, and I don't see Frazier-like bat speed either, so the profile is a little light for me. He's still a top 101 player in a very loaded talent class, so its not like I'm suggesting he's a bust or a fringe-prospect. (Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects)
2014-01-27 13:00:00 (link to chat)I'm surprised to see Phillip Ervin ranked almost 30 spots higher than Austin Meadows considering their relatively similar profiles. I always thought Meadows would rate higher, with louder tools and more projection. Any insight into what caused the separation?
(tonynelson19 from MN)
I like Ervin more; better chance to stay up the middle; plus runner with plus arm; better bat speed. Just needs to stay healthy. (Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects)
2014-01-29 19:00:00 (link to chat)Awesome to have a chat on klaws top 100 day. He was quoted saying that Austin Meadows has the best shot of anyone in 2013 class to explode into an 8 WAR player like Mike Trout did. Your thoughts? Seems extreme
(Nate from Minneapolis)
Law is another very talented evaluator and someone who has a lot more experience than I do. But I disagree with that statement, especially from a fantasy POV where I'm not sure which one tool Meadows has that really stands out.

As for following Law and Parks ... yes. Someone set me up. (Ben Carsley)
2014-02-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Will you be the first BP writer to get my name? Also, what's your take on Austin Meadows? Far to say less safe than Polanco but far higher ceiling?
(JT from Battle Creek, Michigan)
Nope, I don't get the reference. Sorry. I don't think it's safe to say that Meadows has a higher ceiling than Polanco at all. Polanco is a stud. Definitely an above-average major leaguer and potential star. I'm not nearly as high on Meadows as certain prospect writers are. I'm not sure he can definitely even stay in center field, and if so, he won't be better than average defensively. (Jeff Moore)
2014-01-06 13:00:00 (link to chat)Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows, two eighteen year old 2013 first round draft picks, both played CF in their Minor League baseball debut seasons. Looking in your crystal ball, which is more likely to still be playing center when they make their Major League debuts?
(Paul from DC)
As Jason Parks wrote about Frazier in our Indians Top-10 in November, "sources are mixed on his ability to stick up the middle." Of the two, Frazier is the better prospect but Meadows probably has the better chance to stick in center. (Jeff Moore)
2013-11-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Being a redsox fan! I thought bosox should have taken Austin Meadows instead of Trey Ball! Thoughts?!
(The minor league guy from Illinois)
I liked Ball. Improved reports on Meadows at the complex league, but still dubious about long term outlook. He looks the part, but I had a lot of viewings throughout the twelve months leading up to the draft and he regularly underwhelmed. Certainly wouldn't pay the $500K or so extra it would have cost to land Meadows at same slot. Too bad they couldn't entice Ryan Boldt away from Nebraska... (Nick J. Faleris)
2013-11-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks for the chat! The Pirates' non signing of Appel in 2012 makes me curious what you think of the prospects they could have had instead / got instead. Would you rather have David Dahl plus a year of development, or Austin Meadows?
(JusitnG from The Office)
Considering Dahl's 2013 was a throwaway, it's a non-issue at this point, right? Something I want to clarify re: the idea of Player X plus a year vs. Player B: it's not a given that you are better off signing someone in year one, as opposed to taking a comp pick in year 2. That gets thrown around way too often by analysts and it's lazy thinking. Consider the Jays this year and their inability to sign Bickford (10th overall) or the Marlins and Krook (35th overall). Both teams could easily wind-up with comparable college arms this year that will be closer to MLB ready than their HS counterparts would have been after a year of pro ball. If someone tells you "it's always better to have the player in your system and developing for a year" they aren't fully engaging in the issues.

Playing Monday morning quarterback for Pittsburgh, I'd prefer pairing Shipley with McGuire this year. But that's a matter of personal and evaluative preferences. (Nick J. Faleris)
2013-09-27 13:00:00 (link to chat)Have you scouted Austin Meadows? Thoughts?
(Josh from Louisville)
I have not seen Meadows play personally. I've spoken to plenty of people that have and I come up a little shorter than some on his overall potential. I think he slides to left field long term, and while I like the bat, he's going to have to reach his offensive ceiling to be the star-level player he's been billed as in left field. I think he will be a fine player and he actually carries less risk than many high school draftees, but I don't think we're looking at a future superstar. (Mark Anderson)


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