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Boston Red Sox April Farm Report: Six Stars of the Future

By James Carson

Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) is tagged out by New York Yankees third baseman Ronald Torreyes (74) as he tries to steal second base in the third inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) is tagged out by New York Yankees third baseman Ronald Torreyes (74) as he tries to steal second base in the third inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Chavis, 3B 

Apr 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Chavis has gotten off to a powerful start for the High-A Salem Red Sox.

The 21-year-old third baseman has hit a Carolina League-leading five home runs in eleven games this season after only hitting eight over 81 injury-riddled games in 2016. Chavis currently has twelve hits this season, with eight of them going for extra bases.

The highlight of Chavis’ season has been his three homerun night on April 19th that included a two-run walk-off shot. He missed the beginning of Salem’s season with an elbow injury, but has returned with a .343 average and 1.346 OPS.

The biggest change in Chavis’ approach has been improved plate discipline. In 2016, Chavis had a strikeout rate of 23.7% and a walk rate of 7.1%. So far this season, he has brought the strikeout rate down and the walk rate up, resting at 17.8% for both.

The sample is small, but it does show signs of improvement. As long as Chavis stays healthy and continues to hit for power, he will be an interesting name to watch in trade talks and for future consideration at an uncertain position for the big league Red Sox.

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