2. Austin Meadows, OF
Birthdate: 5/3/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: short season A, AA, AAA
Stats in 2016: .266/.333/.536 12 HR, 17 SB
There are plenty of arguments for Meadows to be #1 in this list or to be as low as #5. He’s a tremendous talent, and there’s simply no doubt about that. The main issue for Meadows has been remaining healthy.
Meadows had another year of injury issues in 2016, but when healthy, he really showed his elite talent. He was able to have 25 doubles and 11 triples along with his 12 home runs in just 308 at bats, primarily in AA/AAA, which is incredible power, especially for a guy who had a hamstring issue that should have made stretching out those doubles and triples an issue.
Meadows is a guy who has an elite blend of tools outside of his arm in the outfield, which is below-average. Unlike Polanco and Marte, who profile at any of the three outfield positions, Meadows would struggle in right field due to his arm, but he would be an elite fielder at any outfield spot.
Meadows has excellent pitch recognition, and he should be a guy who has the abiliity to put together excellent walk rates in the major leagues. His power and speed should allow him to be a guy who could hit 20+ home runs and challenge for 20+ stolen bases as well.
If McCutchen is still in-house, Meadows will spend the season with Indianapolis in the International League, but he could open up in the major league outfield if McCutchen is moved.
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