AFL: Red Sox’ Michael Chavis Powers Peoria to 4-2 Win

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz — Michael Chavis is becoming a household name for fans of the Boston Red Sox organization.

Chavis slashed .282/.347/.563 with a career-high in home runs (31) and RBI (94) at two different levels during an impressive 2017 campaign. Named the Red Sox minor league Offensive Player of the Year, the 22-year-old is carrying that success over to the Arizona Fall League.

He’s batting .288 after Thursday courtesy of two extra-base hits and the go-ahead single in the ninth inning, which allowed the Peoria Javelinas to edge the Scottsdale Scorpions, 4-2.

“I struggled a little bit recently, so I’ve tried to make some adjustments. I’ve done some extra time in the cage and tried to put the work in so that I could get the results I wanted and it’s good to see it pay off tonight, for sure,” he said.

Drafted 26th overall by the Red Sox in 2014, the 22-year-old has always been a prospect to keep an eye on. He has the chance to become an even more valued member of a thin Boston farm system at the conclusion of the Fall League.

“The biggest thing is my mental approach with everything. It all comes from the preparation, and a lot of it is maturity.”

Chavis was recently named the lone Boston prospect on the East League roster ahead of Saturday’s Fall Stars game. The ability to stand out and represent the organization is an opportunity in itself.

“It’s pretty special, for sure. To wear ‘Boston’ across my chest is pretty special. Everybody knows about Red Sox Nation and just how great the fan base is and the legacy is.”

Notables

• Austin Riley continued his hot play Thursday night, going 2-for-3 that raised his average to .366. The Braves‘ 10th-ranked prospect has been a consistent guy at the plate in 10 games so far as a Javelina.
• Sticking with the theme of the Atlanta youngsters, Ronald Acuna was quiet during Thursday’s contest. He entered play batting .377 with four homers and 11 RBI, but struck out twice and was held hitless by the Scorpions.
• Mets’ Kevin Kaczmarski is on an absolute tear. He rode a 3-for-4 performance against Peoria to become Scottsdale’s best hitter at a .404 clip.