Michael Chavis

Team: Portland Sea Dogs (AA)ETA: 2018Position: 3BAge: 22 DOB: 08/11/1995Bats: R Throws: RHeight: 5' 10" Weight: 216 lb.Drafted: 2014, 1st (26) - BOS

Chavis established himself as one of the best power hitters in the 2014 Draft, winning the home run derby at the Perfect Game All-American Classic the previous summer before batting .580 with 13 homers in 28 games as a high school senior. He had only sporadic success in his first three seasons after signing for $1,870,500 as the 26th overall pick, however, before a change in approach led to a breakout 2017, when he finished third in the Minors in extra-base hits (68) and fifth in homers (31) while reaching Double-A. But after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance during the offseason, he had to serve an 80-game suspension at the beginning of this year.

The key for Chavis was understanding that he doesn't have to swing for the fences and that his bat speed, strength and loft in his right-handed swing will create plenty of natural power. He stopped trying to pull every pitch he saw out of the park and did a better job of recognizing pitches and adopting a two-strike approach. He cut his strikeout rate to 22 percent last year but still may not show enough patience to hit for a high average against quality pitching.

Chavis broke into pro ball as a shortstop before moving to third base in instructional league following his pro debut. While his below-average speed limits his range, he has a strong arm and has worked hard to become an acceptable defender at the hot corner. Blocked by Rafael Devers in Boston, he began playing some first base late last season and in the Arizona Fall League, and some scouts wonder if he could become a second baseman in the Jedd Gyorko mold.

Source...MLB