The Boston Red Sox lost another member of their roster today as it was announced that Michael Chavis wouldn’t be returning this season.
Another day, another blow for the 2019 Boston Red Sox. As they stare elimination dead in the eye their misfortunes just keep coming. We’ve already heard the news of Chris Sale and most recently David Price being shut down or the remainder of 2019, now you can add Michael Chavis to that list. Alex Cora noted in his media briefing today that Chavis would be done for the time being with a shot to play in the winter league.
The rookie sensation exploded onto the scene back in April against the Rays in Tampa, but would soon level out as he adjusted to the Majors. Despite the ups and downs, it was always exciting to see Chavis do his thing both at the plate and in the field. With there being open slots at both second and first base going into the 2020 season, I believe his spot is about as locked up as it can be at this point.
The Ice Horse as he affectionately came to be known really was a shot in the arm for an already struggling Red Sox team. Sadly, that adrenaline wouldn’t last long enough for this team to stay dangerous beyond the All-Star break. We all know that the injury bug more than made itself known in Boston and Chavis wasn’t immune to its bite.
A shoulder injury suffered while making a spectacular diving catch would send him to the IL in August. While working through his rehab assignment he would then fall victim to an oblique injury. It’s been several weeks and there hasn’t been any improvement in the oblique and it came time to make a decision. Since Chavis was still feeling discomfort it came time for his manager to make a decision on the young infielder.
Cora seemed genuinely disappointed that Chavis wouldn’t get another crack at the 2019 season but also made it known that he would get the best care in the offseason.
"“He was sore the last few days,” Cora said. “Too bad he has to end this way. He did his best to get back but obviously we’re going to take care of him.”"
With the level of play that he gave the Red Sox this season, I think it’s safe to say that he’ll be one of the building blocks going ahead. Chavis is a member of a young infield that won’t see free agency until the mid-’20s. Between himself, Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, and Marco Hernandez, the Red Sox have a hell of an infield for the next handful of years. It’s one area where Boston won’t have to stress for the foreseeable future.
As far as Chavis is concerned, we’ve seen his level of work ethic in each and every outing he surely won’t be slacking this winter. Hell, after eery at-bat he writes down his notes to try and get better for his next go around. Once he’s healthy I can’t imagine it’ll be too long before he’s back in the batting cages working on his swing.
Cora spoke about having Chavis head down to Puerto Rico to play in the winter league in order to get his timing back. It was also mentioned that he may get some reps in the outfield as well as his usual first and second base in order to increase his versatility. This may be a pre-emptive move by the Red Sox in case they aren’t able to re-sign Brock Holt this winter.
"“Most likely, he’ll go to Caguas and play a month down there,” Cora said. “While he plays, he can stop by my house and we can cook some good Latin food and he can hang with me.”"
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AC also extended an invitation to Chavis to head on over to his place for some quality home cooking while he’s playing in Caguas. I’m sure Cora would extend the invite to anyone on his team while they were in the neighborhood, but it does make me think that Chavis made an impression on Alex during this season. With both being infielders they share a bond and Cora has been a mentor to Chavis during his short time in the Majors this season.
Sitting under the Alex Cora learning tree can only benefit Chavis as he’s still very early in his Major League career. He made an impact with the Red Sox while he was on the roster and can only continue to improve from where he started. The Ice Horse’s rookie campaign will see him end with a .254/.322/.44/.766/18 HR/ 58 RBI slash line, not bad for your first crack at the big leagues.
Though the news of Michael Chavis being shut down is a bummer it’s a decision that is for the best at this point in the season. If he can take some extra time to get healthy and then come back stronger next season, it can only help the Red Sox. 2020 will be a major test for Boston and they’ll need every weapon possible in order to get back to the top of the baseball world.