The Detroit Tigers are expected to be one of the more active teams ahead of the trade deadline later this month.
The Tigers are one of the better teams in the majors this season and must capitalize on bringing in another piece or two to hopefully win the AL pennant and get to the World Series. Detroit has been rumored to be going after a reliever and a right-handed bat at third base.
For the Tigers, to get one or both things off their trade wishlist, they might have to depart with a player from the big league roster, in addition to minor league prospects. Detroit has one of the better farm systems in the majors, which could give them the flexibility to make a big move.
However, we shouldn’t expect them to move off their top prospects later this month. Therefore, one player Detroit could think about moving is 25-year-old outfielder Parker Meadows. The Tigers' fan base is split on whether to keep Meadows or move him.
Detroit Outfielder Parker Meadows on Thin Ice Ahead of All-Star Break
Entering Sunday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays, the left-handed hitting outfielder is hitting .200 with two home runs and nine RBI in 31 games. He also possesses an OPS of .565, which leaves a lot to be desired.
The young centerfielder missed a significant amount of time to start the 2025 campaign, thanks to a nerve issue in his right arm, forcing him to go on the 60-day IL.
With Meadows on the shelf, the Tigers used veteran Javy Baez in centerfield, who played very well defensively and at the plate. Meadows made his 2025 season debut on June 2 against the Chicago White Sox, where he went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, two walks, and a stolen base.
If you’re Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, you couldn’t ask for a better performance by Meadows. But Meadows only had one other two-hit game last month (6/26 vs. Athletics), as he hit a mediocre .187 at the plate with two home runs, seven RBI, and 21 strikeouts.
Things have sort of improved this month for Meadows, as the 25-year-old outfielder is hitting .233 with two RBI and 13 strikeouts. However, with Detroit having better options in center field, such as Baez and Wenceel Perez, Tigers fans aren’t opposed to moving Meadows in the right deal.
While Meadows’ offense has been inconsistent this season, he’s one of their better defensive outfielders. This season, the 25-year-old left-handed hitter has a defensive runs saved average of 0, which is about league average. It was the same thing last year in the Motor City.
From an offensive standpoint, Meadows slugged .244 with nine home runs and 28 RBI during the regular season in 2024. However, he upped his game in the postseason, hitting .269 with a home run, an RBI, and two doubles. Meadows also had three steals.
Therefore, if Meadows’ offense can ever get on track and show some consistency, the Tigers would have a special player in center field. But if the right deal comes along, they might have to part ways, as he has two years after this of pre-arbitration.