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Red Sox prospect Michael Chavis making a name for himself in minors

By Tommy Butler

Oct 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A security guard stands in the falling rain at Fenway Park before game three of the 2016 ALDS baseball playoffs between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox. The game was postponed due the forecast of continued rain. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A security guard stands in the falling rain at Fenway Park before game three of the 2016 ALDS baseball playoffs between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox. The game was postponed due the forecast of continued rain. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Chavis is playing pretty impressive ball for the Sox’ Class A Advanced affiliate Salem Red Sox.

The first round pick for the Boston Red Sox in 2014 won’t be the answer at third base in 2017 but has started building a following in the minors.

Michael Chavis currently leads the Salem Sox in batting average and home runs, hitting 3.58 with 6 blasts so far. Those numbers are also good for second in the Carolina League in those categories.

Chavis leads the Carolina League in slugging with .716 and on base percentage with .463 for an astounding 1.179 on base plus slugging.

MLB.com ranks Chavis as the Red Sox’s 10th best prospect.

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Fielding

Though Chavis is playing well, Sox fans shouldn’t get their hopes up that he will be the third baseman Boston desperately needs. Not yet at least.

He’s done well with the bat of late but his fielding can leave something to be desired. So far in 2017 he’s had six chances and committed two errors.

Ok, that doesn’t mean much, it’s still early. In 2016 for the Greenville Drive in Single A Chavis had 181 opportunities and a .945 fielding percentage. Not great but better than the current Red Sox 3rd basemen.

None of them have over a .900 fielding percentage in a minimum of 10 chances on the year.

Either way it’s a bit silly to expect Chavis to rise all the way through the ranks to see Fenway anytime soon. He still has a lot of developing to do.

Expectations

MLB set his ETA to arrive at The Show around 2019 with other sites predicting as late as 2021.

He’s only 21 years old and has a lot of progress to make before he makes it big, especially with the likes of Rafael Devers and Bobby Dalbec ahead of him.

Related Story: Is Rafael Devers the answer at third base?

Chavis does have the potential to be a regular starter at the hot corner but his consistency can be a problem at times.

His enthusiasm and confidence are great for his chances. You can’t teach heart.

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If he keeps up his tear at the plate this year expect to see him start to rise up the ranks. Maybe even seeing some time in double A or higher if Devers is called up.

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