Red Sox: Michael Chavis should remain in Boston for good
Following a tremendous start to his MLB career with the Red Sox, it’ll be in the teams best interest, going forward, to keep the young star in Boston.
Michael Chavis has been nothing short of a phenomenon since his call-up from AAA to the Boston Red Sox. The ‘Ice Horse’ has quickly become a fan favorite, with his game translating very quickly to the major league level.
The 23-year-old infielder has already played at first, second and third base for the Red Sox in a section of the season which has left the ballclub short at these positions. While Chavis’ promotion came earlier than many expected due to injuries to Dustin Pedroia, Brock Holt, and Eduardo Nunez, this stint should be prolonged.
The productivity we’ve seen from Chavis since coming to Boston has been astounding at times. His ability to settle in so quickly and carry his form up from the minors is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. In the twenty games, Chavis is carrying a solid batting average of .289, which could easily have been higher if not for the few bumps he’s run into along the way, which would obviously be expected for a newcomer to this league. Chavis has been clutch for the Sox, tallying 20 RBI and hitting seven homers in the process.
On Sunday, Chavis recorded five RBI for the Sox in the final game of their series sweep against the Seattle Mariners. The youngster has taken this opportunity by storm and light up Fenway Park in doing so. Earlier in the month, a visit to Chicago to play the White Sox saw Chavis have a four-hit game, as the hot prospect took two pitches deep.
He’s shown that he’s the type of hitter who can go off for numerous hits on any given night. His ability to hit for extreme power will be a threat to any pitcher he faces. Chavis’ swing is a delight to watch, and it feels like every time he does swing that the ball will travel over the outfield fence.
Defensively, playing Chavis wouldn’t have any real negative impact on this side. He’s shown that he’s more than capable of making big-time plays, as he’s pounced on the ground ball many a times during his short time in Boston.
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Whether or not he predominantly plays first, second, or third doesn’t really matter for now. At this moment in time, Chavis will fill in wherever Boston needs him in the infield. With Holt still not back, and Pedroia’s return unknown, there’ll always be a need for defensive help, particularly at second.
Expect Chavis to be in Boston for the long run, this season. He more than deserves a chance to stay in the team for who he’s performed so well to start the year.
Even if the injured Red Sox players come back into the fold sooner, rather than later, it wouldn’t be a good baseball decision to send Chavis back to Pawtucket. The minor leagues are for developing, Chavis is developed. Over the last month, the 23-year-old has more than proven this by being one of the key players for this winning run that’s gotten them back into the race in the AL East.
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The call-up of Chavis maybe is what the Red Sox really needed to get their season ticking. His ability gives the Sox a versatile fielder, who has a ceiling which could see him become one of this league’s premier hitters. He will become a huge part of this franchise, and this will come sooner than anticipated.