It's been a long road to the big leagues for Michael Chavis, but the rookie slugger has made the most of his opportunity in 2019.
Chavis was promoted to the Red Sox roster on April 19 after spending four rollercoaster years in the minors. Selected in the first round of the 2014 draft, Chavis struggled and battled through injuries in his first couple professional seasons. But in 2017, Chavis broke out with 31 home runs and 94 RBI between Class A-Advanced Salem and Double-A Portland. He'd finish the season as Boston's No. 2 prospect.
Chavis' biggest challenge came in 2018, when he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and received an 80-game suspension. He didn't miss a beat in his return, though, as he'd rake his way onto the Red Sox' 40-man roster.
When the 2019 season began with uncertainty about veteran second baseman Dustin Pedroia's health, Chavis was seen as the next man up. It didn't take long for the 23-year-old to make an impact. He filled in for Pedroia early, and he did so admirably.
Chavis arguably was the hottest hitter in the Red Sox lineup for the first month of his MLB career, blasting six homers and slashing .282/.407/.563 in his first 20 games. But as is usually the case with rookie hitters, opposing teams quickly adjusted and revealed Chavis' kryptonite: the high fastball.
Since Chavis' hot start, his season has consisted of some high peaks and deep valleys. There are flashes of great potential, followed by long slumps that show there's a long way to go for "The Ice Horse." Of course, those flashes of potential should excite Red Sox fans. Once Chavis makes adjustments of his own, he could turn into a perennial 30-plus home run player.
One area Chavis has been better than anticipated is his defense. He hasn't been perfect, but he's contributed at first and second base and has made some spectacular plays at both positions. Just check out these grabs vs. the Dodgers in July and against the Royals in August.
Boston Red Sox
That being said, the focus will be on Chavis' bat and not his glove in his promising career. If he can adjust to the high fastball and find more consistency at the plate, we'll be focusing on his bat for years to come.
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