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Boston Red Sox Spring Training: Michael Chavis has some serious power

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Michael Chavis #65 of the Boston Red Sox rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles during the Grapefruit League spring training game at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 27, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Michael Chavis #65 of the Boston Red Sox rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles during the Grapefruit League spring training game at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 27, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox prospect Michael Chavis is making some serious noise in spring training and forcing his way onto the Opening Day roster.

Who says the Boston Red Sox don’t have minor league talent with big league potential?

The defending World Series champs didn’t make many moves this offseason, but there is a fresh face or two from within who can make an impact his season.

One of those players is top prospect Michael Chavis who is making a serious statement this spring.  In eight games, the power hitting infielder is 6-for-17 (.353 BA) with four homers and 10 RBI’s.  Yes, it’s just spring, but the Sox have to be smiling ear to ear about what Chavis is showing.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora is certainly impressed.

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"“Since Day 1 (this spring) you can see the mechanics, and he has a pretty good idea what he wants to do at the plate,” Cora said, via The Boston Herald.  “Very smart, too.  Takes notes and all that stuff.  He understands what he wants to do.  That’s a pretty good sign right there.”"

At just 23, Chavis does have a stigma to fight as he was suspended for 80 games for a failed performance-enhancing drugs.  But the smartness Cora spoke about as well as his versatility in the infield defensively won’t keep Chavis away from the major leagues for long even if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.

With veterans Mitch Moreland and Steve Pearce at first base and young, rising star Rafael Devers at third, it will be hard for Michael Chavis to make the roster simply due to depth.  There is a possibility he could play at second depending on what goes on with Dustin Pedroia.  He also has an ability to play the outfield, but that is a position the Boston Red Sox are stacked at.

In all, he knows he has to be willing to do whatever it takes to earn a roster spot.

"“Making myself available is the biggest thing, whether it’s first, second, third, playing the outfield, wherever it is,” Chavis said regarding a potential role.  “I’m not going to sit in the minor leagues and say, ‘if I can’t play this position, I’m not going to do it.”"

That is the right attitude to have with this Boston Red Sox team.  If Pearce or Moreland struggles or even if Dustin Pedroia is limited once again, Chavis will find his way on the roster eventually.  With the way he is swinging the bat and with his power, it may be hard for Cora not to look his way.

If he doesn’t, some other team will inquire about him which might not be such a bad thing for Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski depending on the team’s needs as the 2019 regular season progresses.

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However, with the number of free agents the team will have following the season, keeping a young prospect like Michael Chavis around should be ideal, especially if J.D. Martinez opts out and test free agency once again.

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