Parker Meadows

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Detroit Tigers #7 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 45/Medium
  
  Track Record: Early in the 2022 season, it seemed absurd to suggest that Meadows would be the Tigers’ everyday center fielder late in the 2023 season. Meadows was sent back to High-A West Michigan to start 2022 after hitting .221 in the Midwest League in 2019 and .208 in 2021. But Meadows’ reworked swing soon began to bear fruit. He more than doubled his career high in home runs in 2022. After a solid stint at Triple-A Toledo in 2023, he earned a callup to Detroit on Aug. 21. Four days later he hit a walk-off home run, the first bomb of his career.
  
  Scouting Report: Ever since being drafted in 2018, the 6-foot-5 Meadows has worked hard to change his swing. He came into pro ball with a long swing that often left him flailing. Now he’s a more controlled hitter with a shorter stroke and, most importantly, better timing. That hasn’t turned him into a future batting champ or even an average hitter, but it has helped him become a much tougher out and one who is now a playable big leaguer. He has plus raw power and should get to average productive power if he can make relatively consistent contact. Defensively, Meadows is exceptional. He’s a potential plus-plus defender in center field. He’s a double-plus runner who is comfortable coming in or going back to the wall. His plus arm is also a weapon. His speed also makes him a stolen base threat any time he reaches.
  
  The Future: Meadows’ glove and speed will make him a valuable regular if he can hit even .240, draw some walks and run into 15 home runs a year. Meadows should start the season as the Tigers’ center fielder after claiming the role from Riley Greene in 2023, and his ability to handle Comerica Park’s spacious outfield gives Detroit something it has been missing.
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 50 | Run: 70 | Field: 70 | Arm: 65
• 
  Ranked Detroit Tigers #12 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: In a year where the Tigers had a number of hitters struggle, Meadows was a development success story. The younger brother of Pirates 2013 first-round pick Austin Meadows, Parker's development seemed stuck heading into 2022. He was sent back to High-A West Michigan for a third year. But this time, he quickly hit his way to Double-A Erie while showing improvement in nearly every facet at the plate. He was sent to the Arizona Fall League to wrap up the year.
  
  Scouting Report: Meadows moves extremely well for a 6-foot-5 outfielder. He's a 65 runner on the 20-to-80 scouting scale and makes solid reads and takes direct routes in center field, where he is a plus defender with a plus arm. As a hitter, Meadows worked to shorten up his swing and it paid off in improved contact and better power when he did make contact. His 20 home runs easily doubled his previous career high. Meadows' defense and speed mean that if he's a fringe-average hitter with average power, he can be a productive regular.
  
  The Future: If Meadows can further build on his impressive improvements in 2022, he could finish 2023 in line for a spot in the Tigers' outfield. His combination of speed, defense and improved power makes him one of the team's more intriguing position prospects. Expect the Tigers to return Meadows to Erie to start the year, but he could spend a good bit of the season with Triple-A Toledo.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 65. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
• 
  Ranked Detroit Tigers #26 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Meadows is the younger brother of current Rays outfielder Austin Meadows. Parker, who was drafted in the second round in 2018, has yet to put it all together offensively and spent nearly all of 2021 with High-A West Michigan, hitting .208/.290/.330 over 94 games.
  
  Scouting Report: The Tigers may be waiting for the bat to come around, but there’s no denying the defensive potential. Few outfielders have the ability to move as well as Meadows. He produces some of the fastest sprint speeds in the system, and his advanced routes and instincts allow him to handle center field without issue. He also has a plus arm. Offensively, Meadows has struggled to shorten his naturally long swing. While Meadows has plenty of raw power, he has yet to tap into it on a regular basis.
  
  The Future: Meadows is one of the best defensive outfielders in the system, but he needs to start hitting consistently.
  
• 
  Ranked Detroit Tigers #13 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Rays outfielder Austin Meadows, Parker was drafted in the second round by the Tigers in 2018 and signed for an above-slot $2.5 million to forgo a Clemson commitment. After slashing .290/.377/.473 in his pro debut, Meadows struggled in 2019 at low Class A West Michigan as one of the Midwest League's youngest players. The Tigers brought him to their alternate training site late in the 2020 season.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Meadows moves exceptionally well for his 6-foot-5 frame and is athletic enough to navigate his long arms and legs on both sides of the ball. He has the strength and leverage to access plus raw power, but he struggles to time up pitches because of a lengthy bat path. Whether he can make enough contact will depend on him shortening his swing. Defensively, Meadows profiles near the top of the organization in speed and athleticism and takes good reads and solid routes in center field, though scouts are split on whether he'll stick there as he continues to fill out a large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Meadows has plenty of athleticism and physicality to dream on, but will need time. He'll see high Class A in 2021.
• 
  Ranked Detroit Tigers #12 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Rays' outfielder Austin Meadows, Parker was a third-team All-American in 2018. The Tigers drafted him with the first pick of the second round, No. 44 overall, and gave him a $2.5 million signing bonus to forgo a Clemson commitment. Meadows spent his first full season at low Class A West Michigan and struggled as one of the Midwest League's youngest players.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Meadows features plus raw power but there is concern about his overall feel to hit. He has bat speed, but his long levers and lengthy swing cause him to miss hittable pitches. He has a power-over-hit offensive profile with a fringy ability to make contact. Defensively, he has near top-of-thescale speed and good range in the outfield. Even with good foot speed, executives are split as to whether he has enough acceleration to stick in center field long term. Meadows has an average arm that should work in any spot in the outfield.
  
  THE FUTURE: Meadows is one of the few Tigers prospects with extreme variance to his profile. If his hit tool significantly improves as he matures, he could reach his ceiling of an everyday, above-average center fielder. If he doesn't improve his routes and contact ability, he is ticketed for a fourth-outfielder role.
• 
  Ranked Detroit Tigers #7 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Meadows is the younger brother of Rays outfielder Austin Meadows, and both brothers attended Grayson High in Georgia. Austin went ninth overall to the Pirates in 2013. Parker was a third-team high school All-American in 2018, when the Tigers selected him with the first pick in the second round. They spent $2.5 million to keep him from a Clemson commitment. Meadows ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and briefly made it to the college-heavy New York-Penn League in his first summer in pro ball.
  
  Scouting Report: Meadows has plus raw power and could hit for plus power in games in the future. But scouts have questions about his overall feel to hit, with long arms and a significant hitch in his load, which can be described as something of an arm bar. Even so, Meadows is athletic and a plus runner underway, and while his size might fit better in a corner one day, he should be a solid defender in either spot. The profile power and plus arm could make him a right fielder in the future.
  
  The Future: Meadows’ bloodlines give him a feel for the game, and after a strong pro debut in which he showed patience and power, he should move to full-season ball at low Class A West Michigan in 2019.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #56 prospect in 2018 draft
  The younger brother of current Pirates prospect Austin Meadows, Parker doesn't have the same hype coming out of Georgia that his older brother did as a high schooler in 2013, but as a 6-foot-4 outfielder with a bevy of tools he still has a lot of teams interested. Meadows is a plus runner out of the box and better underway in center field, with plus raw power and a plus arm. As a long-armed lefthanded hitter with a hitch in his swing, his contact and hit tool have been questioned in the past, although he has hit against solid Georgia competition this spring. Regardless, Meadows will likely need to iron out some timing issues that coincide with his long swing once he reaches the professional ranks. If a team believes in Meadows'' ability to hit, then they are dreaming on a potential All-Star with tools across the board and the ability to stick in center field.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #11 prospect in 2018
  Rays outfielder Austin Meadows was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2013 draft, with younger brother Parker going in the second round (No. 44 overall) this year Parker doesn’t have his brother’s pure hitting ability, but he hit well in his pro debut and showed a strong tool set as a power/speed threat. He’s a tall, athletic center fielder, comparable in size and tools to Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick. A plus runner, Meadows has a chance to stick in center, where he gets good reads off the bat and has good closing speed with his long strides. His arm is another above-average weapon. As a hitter, Meadows’ carrying tool is his raw power, with the bat speed and leverage in his swing to generate plus power. A long-armed hitter, Parker does have swing-and-miss risk (he struck out in 29 percent of his GCL plate appearances), though he performed well and showed a solid plan at the plate.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: In a year where the Tigers had a number of hitters struggle, Meadows was a development success story. The younger brother of Pirates 2013 first-round pick Austin Meadows, Parker's development seemed stuck heading into 2022. He was sent back to High-A West Michigan for a third year. But this time, he quickly hit his way to Double-A Erie while showing improvement in nearly every facet at the plate. He was sent to the Arizona Fall League to wrap up the year.
  
  Scouting Report: Meadows moves extremely well for a 6-foot-5 outfielder. He's a 65 runner on the 20-to-80 scouting scale and makes solid reads and takes direct routes in center field, where he is a plus defender with a plus arm. As a hitter, Meadows worked to shorten up his swing and it paid off in improved contact and better power when he did make contact. His 20 home runs easily doubled his previous career high. Meadows' defense and speed mean that if he's a fringe-average hitter with average power, he can be a productive regular.
  
  The Future: If Meadows can further build on his impressive improvements in 2022, he could finish 2023 in line for a spot in the Tigers' outfield. His combination of speed, defense and improved power makes him one of the team's more intriguing position prospects. Expect the Tigers to return Meadows to Erie to start the year, but he could spend a good bit of the season with Triple-A Toledo.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 65. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: In a year where the Tigers had a number of hitters struggle, Meadows was a development success story. The younger brother of Pirates 2013 first-round pick Austin Meadows, Parker's development seemed stuck heading into 2022. He was sent back to High-A West Michigan for a third year. But this time, he quickly hit his way to Double-A Erie while showing improvement in nearly every facet at the plate. He was sent to the Arizona Fall League to wrap up the year.
  
  Scouting Report: Meadows moves extremely well for a 6-foot-5 outfielder. He's a 65 runner on the 20-to-80 scouting scale and makes solid reads and takes direct routes in center field, where he is a plus defender with a plus arm. As a hitter, Meadows worked to shorten up his swing and it paid off in improved contact and better power when he did make contact. His 20 home runs easily doubled his previous career high. Meadows' defense and speed mean that if he's a fringe-average hitter with average power, he can be a productive regular.
  
  The Future: If Meadows can further build on his impressive improvements in 2022, he could finish 2023 in line for a spot in the Tigers' outfield. His combination of speed, defense and improved power makes him one of the team's more intriguing position prospects. Expect the Tigers to return Meadows to Erie to start the year, but he could spend a good bit of the season with Triple-A Toledo.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 65. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 40/High
  
  Track Record: Meadows is the younger brother of current Rays outfielder Austin Meadows. Parker, who was drafted in the second round in 2018, has yet to put it all together offensively and spent nearly all of 2021 with High-A West Michigan, hitting .208/.290/.330 over 94 games.
  
  Scouting Report: The Tigers may be waiting for the bat to come around, but there&#39s no denying the defensive potential. Few outfielders have the ability to move as well as Meadows. He produces some of the fastest sprint speeds in the system, and his advanced routes and instincts allow him to handle center field without issue. He also has a plus arm. Offensively, Meadows has struggled to shorten his naturally long swing. While Meadows has plenty of raw power, he has yet to tap into it on a regular basis.
  
  The Future: Meadows is one of the best defensive outfielders in the system, but he needs to start hitting consistently.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Meadows is the younger brother of current Rays outfielder Austin Meadows. Parker, who was drafted in the second round in 2018, has yet to put it all together offensively and spent nearly all of 2021 with High-A West Michigan, hitting .208/.290/.330 over 94 games.
  
  Scouting Report: The Tigers may be waiting for the bat to come around, but there’s no denying the defensive potential. Few outfielders have the ability to move as well as Meadows. He produces some of the fastest sprint speeds in the system, and his advanced routes and instincts allow him to handle center field without issue. He also has a plus arm. Offensively, Meadows has struggled to shorten his naturally long swing. While Meadows has plenty of raw power, he has yet to tap into it on a regular basis.
  
  The Future: Meadows is one of the best defensive outfielders in the system, but he needs to start hitting consistently.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Rays outfielder Austin Meadows, Parker was drafted in the second round by the Tigers in 2018 and signed for an above-slot $2.5 million to forgo a Clemson commitment. After slashing .290/.377/.473 in his pro debut, Meadows struggled in 2019 at low Class A West Michigan as one of the Midwest League's youngest players. The Tigers brought him to their alternate training site late in the 2020 season.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Meadows moves exceptionally well for his 6-foot-5 frame and is athletic enough to navigate his long arms and legs on both sides of the ball. He has the strength and leverage to access plus raw power, but he struggles to time up pitches because of a lengthy bat path. Whether he can make enough contact will depend on him shortening his swing. Defensively, Meadows profiles near the top of the organization in speed and athleticism and takes good reads and solid routes in center field, though scouts are split on whether he'll stick there as he continues to fill out a large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Meadows has plenty of athleticism and physicality to dream on, but will need time. He'll see high Class A in 2021.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Rays outfielder Austin Meadows, Parker was drafted in the second round by the Tigers in 2018 and signed for an above-slot $2.5 million to forgo a Clemson commitment. After slashing .290/.377/.473 in his pro debut, Meadows struggled in 2019 at low Class A West Michigan as one of the Midwest League's youngest players. The Tigers brought him to their alternate training site late in the 2020 season.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Meadows moves exceptionally well for his 6-foot-5 frame and is athletic enough to navigate his long arms and legs on both sides of the ball. He has the strength and leverage to access plus raw power, but he struggles to time up pitches because of a lengthy bat path. Whether he can make enough contact will depend on him shortening his swing. Defensively, Meadows profiles near the top of the organization in speed and athleticism and takes good reads and solid routes in center field, though scouts are split on whether he'll stick there as he continues to fill out a large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Meadows has plenty of athleticism and physicality to dream on, but will need time. He'll see high Class A in 2021.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Rays outfielder Austin Meadows, Parker was drafted in the second round by the Tigers in 2018 and signed for an above-slot $2.5 million to forgo a Clemson commitment. After slashing .290/.377/.473 in his pro debut, Meadows struggled in 2019 at low Class A West Michigan as one of the Midwest League's youngest players. The Tigers brought him to their alternate training site late in the 2020 season.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Meadows moves exceptionally well for his 6-foot-5 frame and is athletic enough to navigate his long arms and legs on both sides of the ball. He has the strength and leverage to access plus raw power, but he struggles to time up pitches because of a lengthy bat path. Whether he can make enough contact will depend on him shortening his swing. Defensively, Meadows profiles near the top of the organization in speed and athleticism and takes good reads and solid routes in center field, though scouts are split on whether he'll stick there as he continues to fill out a large frame.
  
  THE FUTURE: Meadows has plenty of athleticism and physicality to dream on, but will need time. He'll see high Class A in 2021.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Rays’ outfielder Austin Meadows, Parker was a third-team All-American in 2018. The Tigers drafted him with the first pick of the second round, No. 44 overall, and gave him a $2.5 million signing bonus to forgo a Clemson commitment. Meadows spent his first BA GRADE 45 Risk: Medium BA GRADE 50 Risk: High BA GRADE 50 Risk: Very High full season at low Class A West Michigan and struggled as one of the Midwest League’s youngest players.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Meadows features plus raw power but there is concern about his overall feel to hit. He has bat speed, but his long levers and lengthy swing cause him to miss hittable pitches. He has a power-over-hit offensive profile with a fringy ability to make contact. Defensively, he has near top-of-thescale speed and good range in the outfield. Even with good foot speed, executives are split as to whether he has enough acceleration to stick in center field long term. Meadows has an average arm that should work in any spot in the outfield.
  
  THE FUTURE: Meadows is one of the few Tigers prospects with extreme variance to his profile. If his hit tool significantly improves as he matures, he could reach his ceiling of an everyday, above-average center fielder. If he doesn’t improve his routes and contact ability, he is ticketed for a fourth-outfielder role.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Rays' outfielder Austin Meadows, Parker was a third-team All-American in 2018. The Tigers drafted him with the first pick of the second round, No. 44 overall, and gave him a $2.5 million signing bonus to forgo a Clemson commitment. Meadows spent his first full season at low Class A West Michigan and struggled as one of the Midwest League's youngest players.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Meadows features plus raw power but there is concern about his overall feel to hit. He has bat speed, but his long levers and lengthy swing cause him to miss hittable pitches. He has a power-over-hit offensive profile with a fringy ability to make contact. Defensively, he has near top-of-thescale speed and good range in the outfield. Even with good foot speed, executives are split as to whether he has enough acceleration to stick in center field long term. Meadows has an average arm that should work in any spot in the outfield.
  
  THE FUTURE: Meadows is one of the few Tigers prospects with extreme variance to his profile. If his hit tool significantly improves as he matures, he could reach his ceiling of an everyday, above-average center fielder. If he doesn't improve his routes and contact ability, he is ticketed for a fourth-outfielder role.