Boston Red Sox: Five outfield options to consider if Mookie Betts is traded
By Matt Clark
Michael Chavis
A burgeoning third base prospect, Michael Chavis burst on the scenes for the Red Sox last season when the team was in dire need of help at second base, due to being plagued by a rash of injuries. Despite little experience at second, Chavis would perform admirably on defense at the position, while providing Boston with a much-needed spark on offense.
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After signing free agent Jose Peraza to a contract earlier in the offseason, Boston appears to have their every day second baseman, leaving Chavis as a man without a position. While it remains plausible that the Red Sox opt to keep Chavis at second and make Peraza a super-utility player in the same fashion that they utilized Brock Holt in the past, Peraza is better equipped to handle the second base role on a regularly.
However, after batting .254 with 18 home runs, 58 runs batted in, 46 runs scored and two stolen bases in just 347 at-bats, the Red Sox are likely going to want to find a permanent role for the man affectionately known as the “Ice Horse”, as he offers offensive production that would otherwise be wasted.
While Chavis has yet to play in the outfield, his ability to handle first base, second base and third base duties throughout the season last year, would suggest that he is fully capable of handling the duties of a regular corner outfield position in Boston. This idea would be particularly ideal for an ownership group that has made it abundantly clear that they are averse to adding payroll.