Curtis Mead

Unfortunately, we didn't get much clarity last season on Mead's long-term or short-term future. Seen as one of the better pure hitters in the minors heading into 2023, the Australian infielder had a strong showing in big-league camp but got off to a slow start at Triple-A before getting hit on the wrist by a pitch in late-April. He returned in late-June and got his first of two calls to the majors in early-August. Mead performed up to expectations at Triple-A after returning from injury, slashing .336/.439/.604 with seven home runs, 15 doubles and as many walks as strikeouts (26) in 39 games. His production over multiple stints in the majors was more modest, although he held his own (95 wRC+, 22.8 K%). The righty-hitting Mead got 13 starts against lefties and seven starts against righties while getting the bulk of his starts at third base. His minor-league track record suggests he can make enough impact to justify an everyday role, but Tampa Bay may not have everyday playing time available early in 2024. Mead is still an offensive-minded prospect worth betting on long term, but he'll need to be playing almost every day to be a viable option in mixed leagues due to his lack of speed. Read Past Outlooks