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Washington Nationals taking chance on Michael Chavis

By David Hill

Aug 30, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Michael Chavis (2) hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Michael Chavis (2) hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals are hoping that they can be a place where formerly well regarded prospects rebound. Michael Chavis is the latest former top prospect to head to Washington.

According to Andrew Golden from the Washington Post, the Nationals signed Chavis to a minor league deal. He will earn $1 million if he reaches the majors and has a chance at another $500,000 in incentives. Chavis also has an opt-out clause if he is not on the major league roster by June 1.

Washington Nationals add Michael Chavis to list of former top prospects

Chavis had been a well regarded prospect during his time in the Red Sox system, hovering around the back of top 100 prospect lists in 2018 and 2019. He was lauded for his power potential, although his strikeout tendencies and lack of patience were concerning.

That scouting report has proven correct over Chavis’ major league career. He has displayed his power potential with 40 homers and 38 doubles in his 1090 plate appearances. However, he has a disappointing .237/.283/.407 batting line as he has drawn just 59 walks while striking out 345 times. His walk rate is even worse since the start of the 2020 season as Chavis has just 28 walks in 708 plate appearances.

Chavis is also another former top prospect that has joined the Nationals system. Franklin Barreto and Jeter Downs were also brought in earlier in the offseason in the hopes that they would be able to unlock their potential. These are the types of signings that a rebuilding team such as the Nationals should be making.

Maybe Chavis will pan out. Maybe they will be able to work on his patience at the plate, allowing him to tap into his power potential with more frequency. As he has experience at first, second, third, and left, he could have a role in Washington if he shows signs of progress. Otherwise, he will be back in Triple-A, hoping to impress another team or have a spot open up in Washington.

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The Washington Nationals are giving Michael Chavis a chance to prove himself. He is another former top prospect joining their system.

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