Boston Red Sox Report Cards: First Baseman Sam Travis

The BoSox Injection crew grades the 2018 season for each member of the Boston Red Sox, we’re moving with first baseman Sam Travis.

2018 was a long season for Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis. At first, he took another step backward in the minors – struggling to get going at the plate. Midway through the year, however, Travis put it all together again.

There was a time not long ago that Travis was considered one of the best prospects in the Red Sox organization. His potential at the plate seemed almost limitless. A lot of that hype has died down over the last two years as Travis has struggled in Triple-A.

Things got even worse when Travis was hitting .196 in Triple-A heading into June 21. He wasn’t hitting for power or driving in runs either.

The 25-year-old was one of the hottest hitters in Pawtucket for the rest of the year though. Travis finished the year with a .258 and a respectable 43 RBI in 97 games.

He also spent some time in the Majors – although it wasn’t much. That time did allow for the right-handed hitter to mash his first career MLB home run, however.

Travis only went 8-for-36 with Boston but did manage three doubles to go with his home run and drove in seven runs.

Travis did help his stock when it comes to defense. He’s always been considered an average-at-best first baseman but there appeared to be no problems at the position for him. Not only that, but he also looked comfortable in left and right field, adding some versatility.

Grade

In the end, it’s still hard to consider this a good year for Travis. His second half did do enough to keep the Red Sox from giving up on him though. In fact, the versatility he showed off probably bumped his stock back up a little bit. Especially with the first base position already a question mark when looking into the not-so-distant future.

Hitting his first career home run also boosted his grade slightly, as that will make any year a little better.

Looking ahead to 2019

Travis will more-than-likely start the year in Triple-A with Pawtucket. That being said, he will have a chance to prove himself in Spring Training. Due to this, it’s unlikely he’ll spend all year in Triple-A or the Majors as there’s bound to be at least one mix-up for him.

There’s no set plan for Travis though and that leads to a lot of question marks. How he plays will determine a lot but even then it could lead him down a few paths. Poor play will see him stuck in the minors, or traded. Fantastic play will see him push his way back to the majors, or traded.

Travis has a fantastic bat that could become a major factor in the MLB at some point down the road. If the Red Sox decide to hold onto him without an obvious spot for him is the real question though.