Michael Chavis was having lunch Tuesday, taking part in the Red Sox' annual Rookie Development Program, when he was called into the office.
“I thought I was in trouble,’’ recounted Chavis. “I started thinking about everything I’ve done and I was like, ‘I don’t know what I did (wrong).’ ‘’
Chavis, in fact, hadn’t done anything wrong. To the contrary, he was brought in to be told he would be invited to big league camp in spring training next month. The infielder won’t make the team out of spring training, but the invitation is a reminder that his time may not be far off.
“I was thrilled,’’ he said. “It was one of the goals that I set before (2017) – to be invited to the (Arizona) Fall League and then also, to be invited to big league camp (in 2018). So, having accomplished both of those, it was big moment finding out. I told everybody. I told my family and everybody.’’
Chavis, the Red Sox' No. 1 pick in 2014, enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, splitting time between High A Salem and Double A Portland. He hit 31 homers between the two stops, most of anyone in the Red Sox’ minor league system, and posted a combined .563 slugging percentage.
“He really took some big steps forward,’’ said Red Sox vice president of player development Ben Crockett. “His offensive approach really matured. There weren’t major mechanical changes that were made. It's really (due to) him understanding who he is as a hitter and understanding what makes him successful – looking for the right pitches to hit, being able to lay off and recognize what pitches he can’t do as much damage with and really start to understand what pitchers are trying to do to him.’’
“I definitely feel more confident,’’ he said Wednesday as he joined nine other prospects at Alumni Stadium on the campus of Boston College. “I want to base this season off (last year) and hit the ground running. The previous season, I had some ups and downs – times of success and times of struggles. But I didn’t have the consistency that I wanted and I feel that I found that last year.
“I figured myself out as a player. I grew up. I matured as a player and as a person. I think that helped me a lot on the field and this season, I’m looking to grow even more. There’s still a lot to learn.’’
Part of his education is learning how to play first base, which Chavis began to do in the Arizona Fall League. Drafted as a shortstop, he was moved to third base a few years ago, and now he’s traveled across the infield.
“It was definitely an easier transition than from shortstop to third base,’’ he said. “The angle off the bat and the in-game reads are pretty similar, so the transition was definitely easier. But a lot of it is about getting the in-game reps and getting more comfortable.’’
The next step for Chavis will be a promotion to the major leagues, which might not be far away. Chavis has yet to play at Triple A, but Andrew Benintendi was promoted straight from Double A and Rafael Devers was moved to the big leagues after just two weeks in Pawtucket.
“I feel like I’m significantly close than last year,’’ Chavis said. “Obviously, that’s not up to me. It’s not something that’s up to me. But that’s not really something I worry too much about. Obviously, it’s been a life-long goal to play in the big leagues, but whenever I get that opportunity, I’m definitely going to take advantage of it.’’
“He’s put himself, certainly, on the major league radar,’’ said Crockett. “Coming into this year, we’re just looking for him pick up where he left off at the end of the season and really just be as consistent as he can offensively and defensively with his exposure to both first and third base.’’
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If Chavis is the closest position player to the big leagues in the Rookie Development Program, on the pitching side, that honor would go lefty Jalen Beeks.
Beeks also took part in the Arizona Fall League. He pitched out of the bullpen there — to manage his innings workload for the year — but Crockett and the Sox still see him as a starter candidate.
“But there’s a dual benefit (to having pitched in relief),’’ said Crockett. “Often times, guys will make their debut (out of the bullpen). It was great for him to get exposed to it, but there’s the thought that we think he’ll be a successful major league starter as well.
“He’s got a four-pitch mix and has had success attacking both sides (of the plate). He can get (lefties and righties) out. In 2015, he had a really good year with his fastball and changeup. In 2016, his breaking ball took a step forward and he didn’t have quite as good a feel for his changeup. But I think he kind of put it all together in 2017.’’
Between Portland and Pawtucket last year, Beeks was 11-8 with a 3.29 ERA inn 26 starts.
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Another notable invitee is infielder Esteban Quiroz, who was signed out Mexico last November.
“We’re obviously just getting to know him,’’ said Crockett. “He’s somebody that our scouts have spoken really highly of. He’s really performed year after year in the Mexican League. He’s somebody we feel confident can play well at second base. We’ll figure out whether to expose him to other positions or not, but that’s kind of our thought process coming in.
“He’s someone who can use the whole field. He’s got a little bit of pop in his bat. We’ve seen that here, even in the (batting) cage in our early returns here. He’s hit for a little bit of power for a smaller guy and he’s someone who’s an advanced hitter. He controls the strike zone really well. We’re excited to see him.’’