Travis Shaw named starting third baseman for Red Sox

Travis Shaw looked like a long-shot to win the starting third baseman job for the Boston Red Sox, but after a strong spring, he did just that.

Travis Shaw made a strong first impression last season for the Boston Red Sox. Not seen as one of Boston’s best prospects, Travis Shaw flew under the radar within the farm system, but he is quickly becoming a household name for Red Sox fans. After hitting 13 home runs in 65 games, Travis Shaw established himself as a capable hitter at the MLB level, and Red Sox management realized that quickly. Moreover, after a strong Spring Training, Travis Shaw was named starting third baseman, usurping Pablo Sandoval.

Next: Roberto Osuna named closer for Blue Jays

Initially, the Boston Red Sox wanted the presence of Travis Shaw at the hot corner to motivate a declining Pablo Sandoval; however, with Sandoval struggling both at the plate and in the field, the Red Sox decided Travis Shaw provides the best option for the team at third. While Travis Shaw certainly out-hit Sandoval in Spring Training, his improved defense was the key factor in him gaining the starting nod for Opening Day.

With Dave Dombrowski in town, the Boston Red Sox may shy away from using Pablo Sandoval on a regular basis; however, with the demotion to a bench role, Sandoval becomes one of the highest paid bench players in baseball. Moreover, Pablo Sandoval might be one of the worst contracts in baseball right now. As a guy who can only hit righties, Sandoval does not offer much at the plate, and he should be seen as a platoon-type player moving forward. Also, his defense has steadily declined in recent years.

More from Call to the Pen

The decision to name Travis Shaw starting third baseman was pretty easy, but the Boston Red Sox had to be willing to swallow Pablo Sandoval’s contract and get little production from the former All-Star. Travis Shaw gives the Red Sox an upgrade both in the field and at the dish; however, his 2015 numbers might not hold true for the duration of the 2016 season.

While Travis Shaw should improve on his 7.3 percent walk rate in 2016, it remains to be seen if he can cut down on his 23 percent strikeout rate. If Travis Shaw plays a full season in 2016, his batting average should see a dip from .270 in 2015, but his OBP should remain pretty consistent with his abbreviated stint in the MLB last year. Also, Travis Shaw has 20 home run upside, but him hitting a home run every 20 plate appearances seems unlikely (which he did in 2015).

With a path to playing time cleared for Travis Shaw, he should show his worth to the Boston Red Sox in 2016. If he builds off of a strong 2015 campaign, he could be the third baseman of the future, forcing Pablo Sandoval out of Boston. Shaw has the hands to stay at the hot corner, and he should provide a sizable upgrade over Sandoval in 2016. The Boston Red Sox have every intention to compete in 2016, and Travis Shaw gives them the best shot at contributing to a playoff push.

Now that Travis Shaw was named starting third baseman, he goes into the new season with some fantasy relevance. He will go in as an under-the-radar option at third base; although, he will have to spend some time at the position before he gains eligibility (currently first base eligible only). Travis Shaw should produce close to 20 home runs and 70 RBI in a capable Red Sox lineup. Shaw’s batting average remains the biggest question mark heading into 2016.

Next: Roberto Osuna named closer for Blue Jays

The Boston Red Sox made a smart baseball decision, but Travis Shaw, likely, does not have a firm grasp on the starting job. If he stumbles out of the gate, the Red Sox might give Sandoval one last chance to prove his worth. Until then, pencil Shaw in at the hot corner on a regular basis.