Boston Red Sox: 3 surprise breakout candidates in 2021 MLB season
Boston Red Sox slugger Michael Chavis looking to make a statement
While everyone is looking at young players like Rafael Devers, Alex Verdugo, Franchy Cordero, Jeter Downs and Bobby Dalbec as the future bats of the Boston Red Sox, don’t sleep on Michael Chavis.
While the once heralded Red Sox prospect is battling for a roster spot this spring, let’s not forget he hit 18 homers in 95 games in his first big league season back in 2019.
He did struggle a bit in 2020, but so did just about everyone. As a versatile player, expect Chavis to find his way in the lineup by playing in multiple positions. That includes the outfield that appears to be wide open now that both Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. won’t be returning.
Just 25 years old, the former first-round pick still has a lot to prove and hopefully that does come as a member of the Boston Red Sox somehow, some way.
But, in order for him to have that breakout season and work his way into the lineup, he will have to become an overall better player defensively and fine tune his swing. We all know he has the power but improving his game in those two areas will benefit both the player and the team.
This is one of those gut picks, watch out for Michael Chavis in 2021. He has two seasons under his belt. Perhaps it’s time to find his niche defensively and belt the heck out of the ball offensively.