Countdown to Sox Spring: At 1B, Moreland a surprise returnee with more help from Hanley expected

This is part of a new BSJ series, designed to get you ready for spring training. Each day, we'll take a look at a particular position and examine it from the major league level, evaluating depth at the position and looking ahead to some prospects in the minors.

TODAY: FIRST BASE
OVERVIEW: Things could still change with three weeks to go before the first Red Sox players are scheduled to report to spring training, but for now, first base looks remarkably like it did at the start of last spring training.

That is, the Sox will have Mitch Moreland – re-signed in December to a two-year, $13 million deal – as their primary first baseman (especially against righthanders) with Hanley Ramirez  as the option against lefties.

There are a few other depth options, including Sam Travis and Michael Chavis, either of whom could figure in the mix.

When Moreland became eligible for free agency last fall, it was widely assumed that he was done after one season in Boston. But with free agent Eric Hosmer’s asking price out of the Red Sox’ comfort zone, Moreland returned, getting a two-year deal as some security.

His production isn’t among the elite at the position, but his numbers would have been better had he not insisted on playing through a broken toe for about a month in the middle of last season.

THE STARTER: Mitch Moreland
CONTRACTUAL STATUS:  Signed two-year, $13 million free agent deal.
ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY: After the 2019 season
NOTABLE 2017 STATS:  .326 OBP/.443 SLG/.769 OPS…Set career highs in games played, doubles, at-bats and walks…Ten defensive runs saved (according to FanGraphs) was tied for third best among A.L. first basemen…Was 3-for-11 as PH, with six RBI.
ASSESSMENT: Moreland delivered decent production in his first season with the Sox and showed significant improvement in his ability to get on-base, though his .326 OBP was still lower than they would like. Thanks to Ramirez’s assortment of injuries, he played more than expected. If Ramirez is indeed healthy this season, the opportunity to spot Moreland more against righties only should improve his production. His defensive metrics were fine, though for a former Gold Glover, it appeared as though he struggled at times in digging out low throws.

THE BACKUP: Hanley Ramirez
CONTRACTUAL STATUS:  Signed for 2018 at $22 million. Has vesting option for same salary for 2019, triggered by 497 plate appearances and a passing physical at season’s end.
ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY: Depending on vesting option, either after 2018 or 2019.
NOTABLE 2017 STATS:  .320 OBP/.429 SLG/.750 OPS…Finished second on team with 23 homers…Batting average dropped for .286 in 2017 to .242…Slugging percentage was lowest for a season since 2011.
ASSESSMENT: Ramirez was undoubtedly limited last year by two bad shoulders. That prevented him for hitting for much power, and also reduced his availability for first base, where he started 17 games…The plan was to have Moreland start at 1B against righties and Ramirez to start against LHP; that’s the plan again this year, with a better chance of success now that Ramirez has undergone successful surgery on his left shoulder and has strengthened his right shoulder.

THE DEPTH: Sam Travis
CONTRACTUAL STATUS: Under control for 2018, not yet arbitration eligible. Salary TBD
ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY: After 2023 season
NOTABLE 2017 STATS:  .325 OBP/.342 SLG/.667 OPS in 33 games with Red Sox… Hit .270 at Pawtucket, but power output was hugely disappointing with just six homers in 304 at-bat, though his numbers were better against lefties (.508 SLG)...Made just three errors in 85 combined starts between Triple A and the majors.
ASSESSMENT: Travis’s stock has fallen after the last two seasons. In 2016, he missed most of the year with a knee injury, but he failed to show much last year. For now, he’s viewed as a platoon option, but needs to improve his power, given his position.

THE DEPTH: Michael Chavis
NOTABLE 2017 STATS:  .347 OBP/.563 SLG/.910 OPS
ASSESSMENT: Chavis rebounded with a breakout season in the minors, leading all Red Sox prospects in homers with 31 between High A Salem and Double A Portland. He also was selected for the Arizona Fall League. Originally drafted as a shortstop, he was later moved to third and has now played some first in the AFL. Of all the Red Sox position player prospects, he’s the closest to contributing at the big league level even though he’s yet to play at Triple A. Then again, Andrew Benintendi never played Triple A and Rafael Devers was there for less than two weeks. If the Sox suffer some injuries at first, Chavis could get a look during the 2018 season.

THE FUTURE: Josh Ockimey
NOTABLE 2017 STATS:  .385 OPB/.436 SLG/.820 OPS
SCOUTING REPORT:  Ockimey is a lefty-hitting first baseman who was drafted in the fifth round in 2014. He hit 14 homers between High A Salem and Double A Portland last year, adding 27 doubles. His power potential is considered plus-plus, though his defense is a question mark. Still, the thinking is he’ll hit well enough to project as a first baseman in the big leagues. Estimated arrival to big leagues: mid-2019.