Mariners Land Ex-Red Sox Fan Favorite Attempting To Fulfill Potential
The Seattle Mariners are building a strong Boston Red Sox contingency out West as they gear up for an Opening Day matchup.
Right-hander Eduard Bazardo joined the roster late last season, infielder Luis Urías was traded to Seattle at the non-tender deadline and right-hander Mauricio Llovera was recently claimed off waivers from Boston by the Mariners.
Now the Red Sox will have one more familiar face to pay attention to in Seattle.
"Infielder Michael Chavis has agreed to a minor league deal with the Mariners, per source," ESPN's Kiley McDaniel reported Thursday. "Contract includes an invite to spring training. Chavis has 42 career homers in 357 Major League Baseball games."
The former Red Sox first-round pick impressed as he rose through the system and quickly showed both his lovable personality and power when he debuted in Boston.
Chavis hit .254 with 29 extra-base hits including 18 home runs, 58 RBIs and a .766 OPS (96 OPS+) in 95 games as a 23-year-old rookie in 2019.
At the time, Chavis -- affectionately nicknamed the Ice Horse by the "Section 10" podcast years ago -- appeared to be a budding star.
Unfortunately, since then the slugger has struggled to make adjustments at the plate, leading to a career 31.9% strikeout rate.
Since his impressive rookie campaign, Chavis has hit .231 with 61 extra-base hits including 24 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .647 OPS (77 OPS+) in 262 games between three teams.
The 28-year-old still possesses impressive power he just needs to improve his hard-hit rate -- which starts with better swing decisions.
Outside of the first series of the season against Boston, I'll be rooting for the former top prospect as he aims to reach his potential.
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