Oct 10, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington watches the team during a workout in preparation for the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The wait is over. With their first round selection, the 26th overall pick of the draft, the Red Sox have selected high school infielder Michael Chavis.
Chavis does not have any truly spectacular tools but he has the potential to be one of the most versatile and overall solid players in the entire 2014 draft class. He has played shortstop throughout his high school career, but he is expected to shift to either third base or second base in the coming seasons. His average run tool combined with his plus arm allow Chavis to profile well all across the diamond, so he should have no shortage of options going forward.
Offensively, Chavis profiles the same way: he isn’t spectacular in any way but he has the potential to be a very solid all-around hitter. While high school stats are almost completely meaningless regarding future potential or draft status, it’s tough to ignore Chavis’s .580 batting average at Sprayberry High School in Georgia. Chavis currently profiles as more a line-drive hitting, contact-type batter but he certainly has the potential to grow into some power. Baseball America cites Chavis’s strength and bat speed as reasons for Chavis to eventually grow into some power.
Plus, beyond baseball, Chavis appears to have the attitude to fit in with the loose Red Sox clubhouse. Upon being drafted, he appeared elated and in his interview, compared himself to Dustin Pedroia (which never hurts). Chavis is also a value pick for the Red Sox as he was listed at #21 by MLB.com and could have easily been drafted well before the #26 slot. I like this pick a lot as I feel Chavis will be able to turn into a very solid all-around player before too long, and stay tuned. The Red Sox pick again at #33!