Curtis Mead Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

BA Grade/Risk: 55/High

Track Record: Acquired from the Phillies for lefthander Cristopher Sanchez, Mead should become the first Australian position player regular of the 21st century. After breaking out in Class A in 2021, Mead again earned a midseason promotion in 2022, but his work to improve his arm strength led to a right elbow strain. He had to be shut down with Triple-A Durham in mid July, and eventually had an injection to help heal the injury and missed the remainder of the season. He is expected to be ready for spring training.

Scouting Report: Mead is one of the best pure hitters in the minors. He ranked among the best in the minors in average exit velocity (91 mph) and hard-hit rate (over 50%). He is a tinkerer who will adjust his stance and setup to see what works and what doesn't, partly because his hands work so well. Mead's swing is relatively level and conducive to line drives and high batting averages more than massive home run numbers, but he's expected to develop into a 25-plus home run threat as he learns how to better capitalize on hitter's counts. Defensively, Mead's below-average arm limits him. Second base may fit better than third, and the new restrictions on shifting will benefit him. His arm strength would have been stretched on shifts into short right field, but now that positioning is prohibited. At third base, Mead's arm will likely always be a liability, but he has worked on quickening his release. His range is fringe-average at best, but his hands are adequate. He has also played first base.

The Future: Mead has the best combination of power and hitting ability in the Rays' organization. His defensive limitations are likely to always be an issue, but Mead's offensive upside should make him a long-term regular for the Rays.

Scouting Grades: Hitting: 70. Power: 60. Run: 40. Field: 45. Arm: 40.

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