Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows (77) warms up before the start of the spring training game against the Atlanta Braves at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows (77) warms up before the start of the spring training game against the Atlanta Braves at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Pirates: Austin Meadows

The Pirates were aggressive in shopping Andrew McCutchen this winter because Austin Meadows is ready for the big leagues. In his five years in the minors, the Georgia native is a .297/.365/.474 hitter with good walk and strikeout totals. He reached Triple-A last season in his age-21 season, but struggled slightly.

Meadows has had his career interrupted on and off by injuries — hamstring, oblique, broken orbital bone — but has not suffered at the plate. His approach is focused more on contact than power, but he hit a career-high 12 home runs last year with 25 doubles and 11 triples in only 87 games.

The Pirates have utilized the speedy outfielder in center to date, where his speed and range make him an excellent defender. Starling Marte has that position locked down at the MLB level, but his ability to read balls off the bat and take solid routes will play in left or right. Wherever the Pirates stick him, Meadows will go get the ball.

Finding a position for this talented outfielder in the big leagues will prove difficult. The Pirates made no effort to hide their desire to trade McCutchen this offseason. If Meadows were not ready, that move would not have been made. If McCutchen can hit like an All-Star (MVP levels may be out of reach at this point), the Pirates should be able to find a trade partner and insert Meadows into their lineup.

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