With the 26th pick in the 2014 MLB draft, the Boston Red Sox have selected infielder Michael Chavis, a high school bat from Georgia who will likely play on the left side of the infield.
At 5'10" and 192 pounds, Chavis doesn't cut the most initimidating figure on the diamond. He is, however, one of the best prep hitters the draft had to offer this year. He brings excellent bat speed to the table, and is already hitting for power at 18-years-old which, coming from the left side of the infield, is no small thing.
While Chavis was drafted as a shortstop, he seems likely to shift to third base down the line. There he has both the hands and the arm to provide a steady-if-unspectacular defensive presence. There's some possibility that a shift to either a corner outfield spot or even catcher could be in his future, but in all likelihood we're talking about a third baseman with a bat that can play in the five-hole.
Chavis is currently committed to Clemson, but if you're worried he might be a difficult sign, the fact that he showed up to the draft itself in a spiffy pink bowtie and is already wearing a Red Sox jersey might put your mind at ease:
Michael Chavis rocking a bow tie as he speaks with reporters after being drafted 26th overall. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/BHLhCVwOa3
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) June 6, 2014
Chavis is not the college bat or the falling pitcher that the Red Sox were projected to take earlier, but he's a strong hitter who comes in above average in just about every category. And, given the fact that the consensus on him was 21st to the Indians, we might consider ourselves lucky to have him.
The Red Sox will be back on the clock shortly for pick no. 33.