Yoan Moncada

It was principal owner John Henry, after all, who proclaimed that one of the reasons he had no problem allocating $63 million to signing the 19-year-old was because the club viewed Moncada as the equivalent of a No. 1 pick.

According to the consensus of those asked, Henry isn’t far off. Every one of the decision-makers asked said Moncada would have definitely been in the top five of this year’s draft, citing the switch-hitter’s possession of the rarest of skill-sets these days — the ability to impact a baseball. (One executive identified Bryce Harper as the last draftee to possess the kind of overall offensive punch Moncada carries, of course without the same opportunities to display his stuff to scouts leading up to his arrival.)

Chavis' overall profile runs the risk of stalling in the minors. His pitch recognition and hit ability have a long way to go, and it could be a long developmental journey. Luckily, age is on his side at 19 years old.

The obvious standout ability for Chavis is the hit tool based on plus bat speed. It's some of the best bat speed in Class A. His ability to let the ball travel and generate tremendous torque spells excellent hitting potential. It's not showing in his first full-season assignment because of recognition and approach issues. He's getting beat by basic sequencing and spin away. He's also struggling with timing issues in the swing. He doesn't always repeat his mechanics by getting the foot down and firing at different times, resulting in getting off-balance and struggling to pick up pitches. These aren't fatal flaws by any means. It's a matter of recognizing and implementing tweaks. Once he gets his timing, he has the chance to be a serious barrel guy. The hit tool has easy plus potential.

Chavis has plus raw power that should play to above average or so in games based on how much consistent contact he can make. The plus bat speed and swing generate backspin ability, and he's capable of hitting some serious line drives that travel. Getting his strong lower half timed to utilize in his swing with more efficiency will help.

Chavis needs work to remain at third base, but I think the athleticism and aptitude are there. He's not completely comfortable at the position, and it shows with choppy footwork and some indecision on softer ground balls, but I think he's capable of growing into it. The realistic glove grade for me is around a 45, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him reach average or even slightly better. Chavis has a plus arm capable of playing anywhere on the field. He's a below-average runner who should remain there, possibly dropping a half grade in the future. He's maxed physically.

I think Chavis can be an average regular, but a lot of that is based on raw tools that he only flashes at this point. It could be a long developmental path in the minors. I like the athleticism despite the stature, and the bat speed is something to dream on. You'll likely see grades range for him at this point, anywhere from 55-45. I'm fine putting a 50 on him right now.