At the end of the year wrap-up press conference, Detroit Tigers ' president Scott Harris said that he hasn't spoken to former All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows in a few months.
Per Evan Woodbery of MLive:
Tigers prez Scott Harris said he hasn't talked to OF Austin Meadows "in a few months."
"We're going to explore what the path forward is. I don't have any answers on that. I hope he's doing well. I've got to reconnect with him. That's going to be a priority for us in October."
Meadows only took 21 at-bats this year before stepping aside to deal with anxiety. It's unsure if or when Meadows will play again but Woodbery provided this note as well:
The only realistic action contractually is that Meadows is non-tendered at some point in the next month.
But obviously, the Tigers could still leave the door open for a return on a minor-league deal when or if he wants to attempt to play again.
Meadows could be due about $4 million in the arbitration process so the idea of non-tendering him makes sense.
An All-Star in 2019, Meadows has barely played in the last two years, appearing in just 42 games total in 2022 and 2023. The six-year veteran of the Pirates, Rays and Tigers is a lifetime .259 hitter with 70 home runs and 238 RBI.
His desire to play is one of many questions for the Tigers heading into the offseason. The team finished 78-84 and second in the American League Central.
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