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Red Sox: Examining the remaining non-roster invitees in major league camp

By Jimmy Longo

Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (25) throws a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (25) throws a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) hits a three run home run against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) hits a three run home run against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Sam Travis, 1B

I’ll make a bold assertion here — this is Mitch Moreland’s only year in Boston. After recovering from his torn ACL that wiped his 2016 season, Sam Travis is showing Red Sox players and management that he’s coming for the first base job, and it’s not unapparent.

Travis is hitting .321 this spring, adding three home runs and an eye-opening OPS of 1.174. His career numbers in spring training show for themselves as well — he’s hitting .394 in 66 career spring games against competition that has largely been at a higher level than him.

The minor league numbers are there as well. In 245 career games, Travis has a .303 average and 22 home runs throughout five leagues.

He just needs to refine his defense around the bag, something he’s been working on religiously this spring with Red Sox coach Brian Butterfield.

Barring injury to Moreland or Hanley Ramirez, Travis will start the season in AAA for some fine-tuning and getting more throws to first base, though the 23-year-old could easily contribute to the Red Sox lineup in a big way this season, and if Moreland struggles early on to find his groove in a Red Sox uniform, don’t be surprised if Dave Dombrowski gives a young prospect a chance to thrive in a position of need, something we saw heir apparently last season.

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