Ex-Red Sox Fan-Favorite Elects Free Agency After Rollercoaster Stint In NL East

Should the Red Sox consider a reunion with a former top prospect this offseason?

One former member of the Boston Red Sox will be looking for a new home shortly.

Former Red Sox fan-favorite and top prospect Michael Chavis signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals ahead of the 2023 campaign but made the big league club's Opening Day roster. After an up-and-down stint with the club, Chavis officially elected free agency late Wednesday night, according to the MiLB Transaction Log. 

At one point Chavis was one of the top prospects in baseball but hasn't been able to catch on at the big league level. The 28-year-old was drafted in the first round of the 2014 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and worked his way up the Boston farm system. Chavis eventually made his big league debut with the Red Sox in 2019. 

The young slugger quickly became a fan-favorite with the Red Sox -- even landing the friendly nickname the "Ice Horse" -- and impressed throughout his rookie year. Chavis clubbed 18 home runs and drove in 58 runs in 95 games in 2019 but hasn't been able to reach that level of success ever since. 

Chavis was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 and he then elected free agency at the end of the 2022 season after being designated for assignment. The young slugger likely will get another opportunity with a club in free agency. Chavis slashed .242/.281/.341 with two home runs and five RBIs in 48 games for the Nationals while seeing time at first base, second base, third base, left field, right field, and designated hitter. 

He likely will land another minor league deal and need to work his way back up to the big leagues again but hopefully he can get back on track. 

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