7 years agoWith the Pittsburgh Pirates in full rebuild and moving on from outfielder Andrew McCutchen, the opportunity for former first-round pick Austin Meadows to make his major league debut is likely. Once one of the games top prospects, the 22-year-old has dealt with hamstring injuries in 2014, 2016 and 2017 that has stunted his development. Had it not been for last years hamstring issues, Meadows likely would have gotten the call to the major league roster. Meadows has the raw tools to be a player who can impact the game in every category, but he has yet to reach that potential, much of which can be blamed on health. After hitting a career-high 12 home runs in 2016 mostly between Double-A and Triple-A, he took a step back in 2017 in the power department. Meadows spent the majority of this past season in Triple-A where he hit .250 with four home runs, 36 RBI, and 11 stolen bases before a hamstring injury sidelined him. The left-handed hitter is a career .292 in his minor league career but has not eclipsed the .250 mark between two stints in Triple-A. Meadows has a strong all-around potential but may need more seasoning in Triple-A to start the season which makes him better equipped in dynasty and keeper leagues for the time being. His biggest competition to earn a spot on the opening day roster will be Adam Frazier who doesn't hold as much of a threat to him. Meadows will be worth a look in NL-only and mixed leagues, but your expectations should be tempered as he will like hit some bumps in the road and must maintain his health to help your fantasy squad in 2018.--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBaller