The Detroit Tigers are one of the best teams in baseball and are quickly cementing themselves as a real postseason contender. However, if there is one obvious hole in the current lineup, it is the final spot in defensive center fielder Parker Meadows.
After missing a portion of the season due to injury, the third-year outfielder has returned as a shell of himself. Meadows is hitting .146 in his first 48 at-bats and appears lost at this level. As great as Meadows might be in some aspects, if this level of offensive struggles continues, the team must consider a change.
Even with the immense talent on the roster, the Tigers should be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline. It is very possible they look at the top outfield options and consider giving Meadows a fresh start. This is an option both if things don't improve or if the team simply wants to look for an offensive boost.
Looking at the top teams in the American League, it is easy to make the argument that the Tigers need one final bullpen arm and an outfield upgrade to give the team the best possible shot. With this in mind, Meadows should consider himself put on notice.
Tigers Could Pull Parker Meadows From the Starting Lineup
Parker Meadows deserves a bit more time to begin to turn things around based on the level of talent. However, there is a reason for a limited amount of patience with the position the Tigers have put themselves in. The American League appears to be wide open with clear question marks for each obvious contender.
Going on a deep postseason run is the team's ultimate goal, and upgrading from Meadows offensively is a step in that direction. If the outfielder cannot at least return his average to the Mendoza line in the next weeks of the season, it is time to make a change.
This doesn't mean you have to part ways with the starter, to be sure. While the current center fielder could benefit from a change of scenery, the Tigers could keep Meadows as the 4th option. No matter how it plays out, the team should at least begin exploring an upgrade to the position.