When Michael Chavis was added to the Red Sox roster in 2019, he provided the spark they desperately needed. Similar to the way Brian Johnson threw a complete-game shutout in his Fenway debut, Chavis’ first game was against the Rays where he provided the game-winning hit. Since his rookie year, the similarities between Chavis and Johnson have grown. Chavis, however, has failed to develop additional offensive skills and his signature power is currently lacking. As of right now, Chavis has not sharpened his skills enough to be a 2021 caliber Red Sox.
Chavis: Chief of the K’s
The man formerly known as “Chief Chavis” quickly became “The Ice Horse” after his icy BOMBS were found in some of the most remote regions of Maine. Chavis hit 18 homers in 95 games but with a 33.3 SO percentage. His strikeout issues were among the worst in the league, which gave him room to improve, but he has not improved enough. He decreased his strikeout percentage to 31.7 percent and lost out in categories such as exit velocity and hard hit percentage. He needed to come into spring and prove that he could grow, but Chavis hasn’t done that either. During Spring Training, Chavis struck out 11 times in 43 at-bats and has only walked twice. Clearly, he can’t decide to strike out less and then do it like Mike Trout.
On that note, how much longer do we need to wait before we can attribute Chuck Norris-like myth to Mike Trout? I feel like we can create good material. Let me try some.
Since Mike Trout was born in 1991, home run related deaths have increased by 14,000%.
The Braves’ Tomahawk Chop was first developed to defend against Mike Trout.
Mike Trout has two true outcomes: Walk and Home Run.
Mike Trout isn’t hung like a horse, horses are hung like Mike Trout.
Michael Chavis’ Belt Buckle Chronicles
I would be remiss to omit the strides Chavis has taken over the last season. Another knock against him is his fitness level. Chavis even mentioned it himself earlier this season during an in-game interview. He cited that he was unhappy with how he fit into his belt last spring and that the same belt fits much better this season.
I’m not sure if y’all can tell. I’m not sure where the camera is but I’m looking a lil’ lean this year.
Michael Chavis via TikTok
Whether you enjoy a friendly anecdote about belt size or not, this provides optimism for his future. If he can trim down, then he can certainly improve his game. After all, in two seasons, Chavis has made himself comfortable with not only his natural third base but first base, second base, and left field as well. Of course, this takes away from his focus on the plate.
Where Will Chavis Play?
I love Chavis, he was the odd man out, and then Chaim signed like five more guys at his position to make sure he knew he was the odd guy out.
Coley Mick on Section 10 Podcast
Chaim Bloom and the Red Sox put Chavis in a tough position in 2021. As previously mentioned, Chavis can play first, second, third, and left field at the major league level. The trouble is that Chaim Bloom brought in Marwin Gonzalez and Kiké Hernández this winter, two super-utility players with a more well-rounded game than Chavis.
Hernández is slotted in to start at second base but will move around depending on other starters’ availability, which opens up a spot on the bench for an infielder who can backup for Hernández and first baseman Bobby Dalbec. However, utility infielder Christian Arroyo also comes into play. If it came down to Arroyo and Chavis, the Red Sox appear to be more inclined to take Arroyo, who is slashing .300/.348/.550 this spring.
The other factor is outfielder Franchy Cordero. Cordero, a major piece in the Andrew Benintendi trade, is Bloom’s type of player with unreal natural power. The team will be eager to see if they can develop him into his comparison, David Ortiz, once he’s removed from the Injured List. After a bout with COVID-19, it is unclear whether Cordero will be ready for Opening Day. If he is not, then Chavis will be the clear fit in the interim.
Side Note: Lebron James Is a Nonstory
The genius millionaire titan Lebron James is now using his “golden” touch on another aspect of our lives.
James has become a partner in the Fenway Sports Group, a company that owns the Red Sox, NESN, Roush Fenway Racing, and Liverpool Football Club. It is unlikely that James’ stake will be large, but the deal has had Red Sox Twitter buzzing. My question is, why?
James is merely an investor. His money is just as good as Joe Shmoe from Waltham’s. If anything, he will be more of a distraction to the team than an asset. Keep in mind that the Red Sox will now be partially linked to all of James’ media circus. Even a two percent stake will mean at least one percent of his attempts to line his pockets will reflect what the Fenway Sports Group stands for. I don’t need to hear any more about this than I already have.
Then again, Lebron has owned the Celtics for a number of years. What could go wrong?
Rounding Third
Michael “Ice Horse” Chavis was the first prospect called up following the 2018 World Series run. Similar to Jackie Bradley’s time on the 2014 roster, he will always have a special place in our hearts for it. With that said, Chavis has not proven to be 2021 caliber. Not for a Red Sox team that has grown so much after a disappointing 2020. Chavis has failed to show major league caliber plate discipline and cannot compete with other utility players who have 2021 caliber offensive skills.
Keep in mind that Chavis was not called up during Bloom’s tenure, and he has no connection to him staying on the roster. He has shown the propensity for growth in the past, so perhaps some time at the alternate site and with the WooSox would do him some good. I still believe that this talented young athlete can become a 2021 caliber player for this roster.
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Glossary
Strikeout Percentage (SO%): The percentage of at-bats in which a player strikes out
Hard Hit Percentage: Percentage of batted balls which have an exit velocity of 95+ MPH
