Did Parker Meadows of the Detroit Tigers make the MLB catch of the year?
The August 12, 2024, Days of Roar podcast features Parker Meadows’ impressive game-saving catch in the eighth inning on August 7 against the Seattle Mariners.
CHICAGO – Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows hit a classic double in the first inning of Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, but in the second inning he used his speed on the bases to turn what was supposed to be a ground ball single into another double.
“I always think of two things out of the box,” Meadows said.
Meadows, a left-hander who also offers top-notch defense in center field, is expected to serve as the leadoff hitter for the remainder of the 2024 season, especially against right-handed pitchers.
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“He’s just completely in control of his at-bats and is a key player on the bases,” manager AJ Hinch said. “We flirted with that earlier this year. If he can get on base, control his at-bats and run the bases aggressively, he’s perfect for the top of the order. He’s earned the right to take another look at the top of the order.”
The two doubles in Wednesday’s 8-2 win are only a small part of the explanation for why the Tigers have put Meadows back at the top of the order. He also draws above-average walks, steals bases with elite sprint speed and continues to collect hits after making an adjustment to free up an efficient swing path.
Meadows could be the primary leadoff hitter in 2025.
“It feels good,” Meadows said. “Obviously, I’m just trying to do everything I can to get on base early in the game and set the tone. Lately, I’ve felt comfortable in the leadoff position. I’ve got to keep it rolling.”
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The Tigers tried Meadows as their first hitter during the first two weeks of the 2024 season, but the 24-year-old quickly fell to the back of the lineup due to his offensive issues.
In early May, these difficulties led to a demotion to the Triple-A Toledo League.
With the Mud Hens, Meadows has adjusted his swing – focusing on the movement of his hands – and now foregoes an uphill swing in favor of staying low and going straight toward the ball. He has mental cues to ensure he stays on the optimal swing path.
“For me, it’s about keeping it as simple as possible,” Meadows said. “I try to stay as mentally calm as possible in the box.”
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Meadows has a .354 batting average (23-of-65) with 10 extra-base hits, three walks and 13 strikeouts in 17 games since the Tigers brought him back from Toledo.
In the last four games, in which the Tigers have a 3-1 record, he has always been the first batter in the starting lineup.
“He’s fantastic,” said outfielder Kerry Carpenter, a middle-of-the-lineup hitter. “He turns singles into doubles. He puts the ball in play a lot. He can hit anything. He can hit your fastest heater and he can hit your slowest off-speed. He creates great at-bats up there every time. I feel like I’m hitting with runners in scoring position all the time when Parker’s in front of me, same with Riley (Greene).”
The Tigers have a 31-18 record in the 49 games Meadows has played in his second MLB season, as well as a 13-4 record in the 17 games since his return from Triple-A Toledo.
Meadows is a winning player.
And he seems to be the perfect leadoff hitter for the future.
“His knowledge of the strike zone is really good,” Hinch said, “and if he’s patient enough and doesn’t just have to hit early, if he can implement a game plan with the variety of pitches that are thrown at him, that’s a good sign. … Slight mechanical adjustments he made in the minor leagues combined with a very efficient approach. We’re seeing the results.”
Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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