Detroit Tigers: 6 bold predictions for the 2024 season
This might be the most bold prediction on this list. Meadows racked up 1.0 fWAR in 37 games as a below average hitter last season because his defense in centerfield was that good. If he's able to have a wRC+ over 100 and keep up that defense for full season, him getting to 4 WAR on the year is a possibility.
Meadows had a 93 wRC+ in those 37 games last season. This was even after he struggled during the first half of September. Even then, the at-bats were still solid. He was still drawing his walks. The strikeouts are always going to be there, but he's also shown a great ability to work deep into counts.
But over the final two weeks of the 2023 regular season, Meadows slashed .280/.345/.480 with a 126 wRC+ and a .200 ISO in 55 plate appearances. It looked like he had figured something out, and it's part of why people like myself are so high on him for 2024.
It may not happen right away. He might not light it up right out the gate. But I think Parker Meadows is poised for a breakout season in 2024, and boy could the Tigers use it.
