After a record-breaking 2018 season, Boston Red Sox fans have plenty of things to be excited about. The roster looks set for the near future with no huge changes this off-season. As it currently stands, the roster is already among the elite in all of baseball. With the short term a priority, the future still remains important. That is where the farm system comes into play.
Boston’s farm system has been scrutinized for being thin, but there are plenty of players who will prove otherwise. Michael Chavis, the Sox’s number one prospect, is already showing the capabilities he has.
Michael Chavis Starting Strong
The 23-year-old third baseman has been tipped by many to make a difference in Major League Baseball in the future. He has put on a show in the minors since being drafted by Boston back in 2014. Chavis has moved pretty much everywhere in the Red Sox system and has performed accordingly. Could he make a move at the major league roster sooner rather than later? What he is doing through the opening of spring training would suggest that he is capable of it.
Chavis’ hot start to the spring started on Saturday as he hit a three-run homer to right center against the New York Yankees at JetBlue Park in Florida. He repeated this feat on Sunday. Playing against the Minnesota Twins, he crushed one over Fenway South’s Green Moster – another three-run, go-ahead bomb in the eighth inning. Sure, it is the first week of spring training, but it is hard for Red Sox fans not to get excited over this hard-hitting prospect, especially after seeing what he can do.
Boston’s Third Base Depth
With Chavis getting a chance to show his worth right now, it leaves manager Alex Cora packed with talent at the hot corner. The young third base star, Rafael Devers, will remain as the starter as the new season approaches, but there could be plenty of competition moving forward.
Along with Devers and Chavis, Boston’s number three prospect Bobby Dalbec has also impressed through the start of spring training. Dalbec hit a home run on his first plate appearance. This promising collection of up-and-coming corner infielders is a blessing for an already elite Red Sox lineup. If the progression is positive, Boston will be covered at this position for years to come.
It is all well and good having the talent needed to be a major leaguer, but players need game time, especially when developing as a young and budding prospect. Since 2014, Chavis has recorded 231 RBI in Boston’s farm system. He has shown that he can be reliable when scoring the Red Sox runs the last few weeks. In 2017, he recorded 94 RBI and 31 HR between Double-A and Advanced-A, showcasing his big bat on many occasions. With his potential, there is certainly a scenario where he can put up big numbers from the plate with elite talent around him. It already looks like Red Sox fans have another gem to watch do his thing moving forward.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images