Mariners reportedly sign Michael Chavis to a Minor League deal

Infielder Michael Chavis has agreed terms on a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners, which includes an invite to spring training.

No sooner have the Seattle Mariners agreed terms on deals with seven arbitration eligible players, they’ve now reportedly made another signing. According to ESPN MLB insider Kiley McDaniel, they have now signed Michael Chavis.

McDaniel writes that the Mariners have signed Chavis to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to spring training in Peoria, Arizona. He makes for an intriguing project for manager Scott Servais and company to work with.

The 28-year-old is a talented, power hitter with upside, which is why he was selected 26th overall in the 2014 draft by the Boston Red Sox. However, to date he has not been able to fulfil his potential.

A promising start

Chavis’ time in the Majors couldn’t have started off much better, as he quickly settled in during his rookie season of 2019. He recorded 18 homers, 58 RBI and 31 walks in 95 games, on his way to a .254/.322/.444 slash line and .766 OPS.

However, as promising as that first year in Boston, all of those statistics are notable for still being single-season career highs for the right-handed bat. The closest he got in terms of production and durability was in 2022, although even this was compromised by a .229 batting average.

Critics make reference to Chavis being suspended for 80 games in 2018 for performance-enhancing drug use. However, it’s important to note this preceded his debut in the Majors and he’s not contended with any repeat issues.

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Potential utility depth for the Mariners

Defensively, although not great per se, the infielder is reliable enough with a career .994 fielding percentage over his five seasons in the Majors. He mostly plays at first and second base, but is versatile enough to also see time at third base and in the outfield corners if needed.

Now, it’s a case of the Mariners finding the keys to unlock the door to what Chavis is capable of. He is a natural hitter in the mode of a Ty France type, and is particularly effective versus southpaw pitchers when he’s on his game.

Understandably, the hope for Servais is that the Atlanta, Georgia native can become a valuable depth player on the Mariners roster. The odds still favour him beginning the 2024 season in Triple-A Tacoma, but this is a low-risk gamble which was well worth taking.

What is your opinion on the addition of Chavis? Do you predict the Mariners will help him finally live up to his potential, or will he just be a depth piece mostly playing in the minors? Let us know in the comments section below.