After a commanding start to Spring Training, the Red Sox have continued to win behind power bats. A highly touted infielder has made some noise that is going to echo into the 2019 season.
With the Boston Red Sox continuing their Grapefruit League slate, the team has not missed a beat in the win category. After allowing their first two opponents to strike first in each matchup, the Sox have slugged their way to a 2-0 record in league play. While the hits have come a-plenty for this young lineup, all eyes have been on top prospect Michael Chavis.
Showing his improvements at the plate, Chavis clubbed a three-run home run and also added a single in his first action of 2019. In their second game against the Twins, Chavis slugged another three-run home run to continue a red-hot start.
While his knowledge and mechanics have impressed manager Alex Cora so far, I expect Chavis to keep building off of this performance to end the spring with murmurs of a big league appearance in the near future.
Optimism following setback
Gliding all the way to AAA in 2018, Chavis offensively put up respectable stats in different categories, especially after a shortened season. In 46 total games last season with 9 home runs, 27 RBI, and a .298 AVG, Chavis also had an impressive .919 OPS that showed he can get on base too. These numbers come from a return following an 80-game suspension due to violating the drug policy.
While rising to be the top prospect and a full season ahead, Chavis is going to start with Pawtucket (AAA) as their third baseman but not for the entire season, in my opinion. His hot start to spring would be too hard to ignore in terms of being league ready. While his approach at the plate is much improved, his defense has been a huge question of late, especially since his .905 fielding percentage was the lowest since 2015. If he can show an improved defense to support his undeniable offense, it will prove a tough decision for management on his roster status in the organization.
An odd man out
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With a roller coaster 2018 season from current third baseman Rafael Devers, Chavis has slid his name into the future of the hot corner for the Red Sox. Devers finished the season strong and made a huge contribution to winning the World Series, which allowed faith to be held in him for now, but how much longer? With Devers’ youth and power a focus for the team to keep, could someone else be moved to accommodate both Chavis and Devers?
In only two games, Chavis also got some game action at first base, with Devers being used as a DH in the first game. This flexibility by both guys to play either corner position could prove fatal for older veterans like Mitch Moreland and Steve Pearce who are confined to being a DH or first baseman. With the payroll strapped and young guys needing extensions, the odds are against them in that area too.
Will he be with the Red Sox this year?
The next month of games is crucial for prospects looking to turn heads and get closer to the major league roster. While that roster isn’t set yet for Opening Day, the top prospects are already making a case for a spot. While odds are looking like Chavis will be in AAA to start, it’s going to be a hard decision if he continues this dominant performance in spring ball.
I predict that with the increased games and at-bats, Chavis is only going to get better from here and make his jump to the Red Sox official. When does that happen? I’ll say by the All-Star break in July to be optimistic. I also think he could either fill in at first base or third and have a quality impact with the club to give guys rest as the season gets longer. Only time will tell, but his offensive outburst is pretty telling of itself when, not if, he ships up to Boston.