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Boston Red Sox REVISED Top 10 Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Mar 7, 2015; Sarasota, FL, USA; A general view of Boston Red Sox hat and glove laying in the dugout at a spring training baseball game at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Sarasota, FL, USA; A general view of Boston Red Sox hat and glove laying in the dugout at a spring training baseball game at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Sam Travis, 1B

Birthdate: 8/27/93 (23 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AAA
Stats in 2016: .272/.332/.434, 6 HR

Travis teamed up with Kyle Schwarber in college to lead Indiana to their first College World Series. While Travis didn’t get quite the notice of Schwarber, he’s certainly talented as a hitter in his own right.

Interesting as that connection with Schwarber is, Travis was having a solid offensive season before shredding his ACL in May and missing the rest of the year, much like Schwarber did at the major league level.

At his best, Travis is a guy who is led by an excellent hit tool. He squares up balls well at all velocities and does a solid job of using the whole field. Travis hits with solid velocity, and while that hasn’t translated the way he might like in the minor leagues due to the parks he’s been in, he has consistently shown excellent gap power that should translate very well to Fenway.

he has consistently shown excellent gap power that should translate very well to Fenway

In many organizations, Travis would be preparing himself to take over a major league job in 2017, especially when there is an open 1B/DH job at the major league level like there is in Boston. However, the Red Sox have a significant issue of Pablo Sandoval still hanging around, and whether he claims 3B, 1B, or DH or ends up getting cut will be an offseason topic for sure.

If he isn’t up on opening day, Travis won’t be far behind with his excellent swing from the right side and solid contact skills. He also offers soft hands and good receiving at first base that would allow Hanley Ramirez to move to DH full-time.

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