Austin Meadows (OF, PIT) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 20% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows had a bit of a disappointing 2017 minor league season, but a strong start to the 2018 season saw the former top-10 prospect get promoted to the big leagues for the first time. The 23-year-old former first round pick had an .869 OPS in 2016 (including 48 extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases), but he only had a .707 OPS and 11 stolen bases in 81 games last season. His .294 batting average in 32 games for Triple-A Indianapolis was enough for the Pirates to give him the call with Starling Marte on the disabled list.

In three games with the Buccos, Meadows is 5-for-11 with a home run and stolen base. This is exactly what fantasy owners want to see from Meadows, who had a .300 batting average in three different minor league seasons and has 15 home run/20 stolen base upside. Most importantly for those looking at Meadows, his line drive rate was up in Triple-A this season (25%) as compared to last season (21.5%) and he had 15 walks against 21 strikeouts.

Unfortunately, this may be a quick cup of coffee for Meadows, as Gregory Polanco and Corey Dickerson hold down the corner outfield spots in Pittsburgh and Marte will be back in center to take Meadows' spot. Marte does not think that his oblique injury will linger, but he also does not know when he will be back, opening the door for Meadows to get more playing time. Look for the talented prospect to capitalize on the playing time and make him an addition in deeper leagues.