Michael Chavis should make the Red Sox Opening Day roster

The Boston Red Sox are making their way through spring training and one name keeps popping up in the box score, Michael Chavis. The young prospect is making the best of his time in Fort Myers and is impressing with each game.

We are just weeks away from the kickoff of the regular season and the Red Sox are working towards defending their World Championship. We all know the big names that will be in the squad to protect the throne, but one man is staking his claim at joining them. Michael Chavis is the top prospect in the Red Sox organization and with good reason, the guys damn good at baseball.

So far this spring Chavis has a .333 BA and has belted 3 HRs for 9 RBI. Not a bad start for someone who was just a prospect invite to camp. Chavis is primarily known for his work at the hot corner but due to the youth in Rafael Devers and vet in Eduardo Nunez already at third, his best shot at making the roster would be at first. Steve Pearce and Mitch Moreland currently hold court over at first base but if Chavis keeps this form up he could unseat the veterans.

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It could also do him some good to get to sit under the learning tree of Pearce and Moreland while with the big club and taking advantage of spot starts. Going into spring training it seemed like all eyes were on Bobby Dalbec even though Chavis is the top dog in the farm system. And I’m sure Michael heard some of that chatter too, his play so far definitely looks like a guy who wants to remind everyone why he’s ranked #1 for the Red Sox.

Alex Cora has done a masterful job so far this spring training mixing his veterans in with his young prospect talent. This gives the minor leaguers chances to watch, listen and play beside the guys that get the job done every night for the Red Sox. He’s also made it a point to give Chavis playing time at first, second, and third. This’ll make Chavis even more of a commodity to Cora on the main roster as his versatility is unmatched.

Personally, I’d like to see Chavis make the Opening Day roster as I feel his bat, his defense and just excitement for the game could be a great fit for an already young main roster. From what we’ve seen of him so far this spring it’s clear he loves to go out and play and that exactly how the Red Sox like their players to be. For nine innings go out there and give every ounce of your being for the team and your teammates.

There is a downside to this if he does make the squad and that would be lack of playing time. I mentioned above the logjams at first and third, and second is honestly no better. With the return of Dustin Pedroia on the horizon, utility superstar Brock Holt, and Nunez all able to play second, there aren’t many open seats.

It may be a better plan to leave Chavis in the minors and use him as a mid to late season call-up depending on the status of the team. The Red Sox have done a great job in recent years of bringing up their younger talent and using them to their strengths.

But we all know injuries come quick and in bunches in baseball, so having Chavis ready could be a major asset to Boston. I’d rather have him on the roster and not play every day than have a bushel of injuries come up at once and not have him there and ready.

With the regular season right around the corner and a majority of roster spots already locked in, Michael Chavis and the other young talent will be fighting for the scraps. If he can keep his momentum going through the rest of spring training he has a great shot at playing in Fenway Park this season. I for one would like to see the celebration when Chavis launches his first homer over the Green Monster.