Boston Red Sox: 3 surprise breakout candidates in 2021 MLB season

Sep 20, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Michael Chavis (23) reacts after hitting a three run home run against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Michael Chavis (23) reacts after hitting a three run home run against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox Michael Chavis. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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.

Next. Boston Red Sox: 4 players attacking 2021 MLB season with vengeance. dark

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.