3 years agoDetroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows managed to slug 27 homers and drive in 106 runs despite hitting .234 across 142 games for the Rays last season. The Tigers acquired outfielder Austin Meadows in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays receive shortstop/third baseman Isaac Paredes and a draft pick in return. Meadows slashed .234/.315/.458 with 27 home runs, 106 RBI, 79 runs scored, and four stolen bases over 591 plate appearances. His underlying metrics in 2021 show he was closer to his career year in 2019 when he recorded a .380 WOBA with 33 long balls. The 26-year-old cut his strikeout rate from 32.9% in 2020 to 20.6% last season but saw his BAIP drop from .288 to .249. Meadows will need to improve against southpaws to take the next leap as a top-tier outfielder. He posted an abysmal .198 WOBA against lefties in the second half of last season, which could lead to Meadows being on the bench more often than not if he continues to struggle against left-handers. The former Pittsburgh Pirate will start alongside Akil Baddoo and Robbie Grossman in the Tigers outfield, while star prospect Riley Greene (foot) is out at least six weeks due to a fractured foot. ATC projections are not buying a full bounce-back, projecting Meadows with a .332 WOBA and a .247/.323/.458 slash line. According to RotoBaller's Expected Draft Values, Meadows' ATC projection makes him roughly below fair value at his current ADP of 133. The Tigers slugger should provide fantasy managers with reliable power and solid counting stats in 2022.--Brad Camara - RotoBaller