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Red Sox Call Up Sam Travis: Any fantasy value in 2017?

By Bill Pivetz

Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) in the first inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) in the first inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Red Sox called up first base prospect Sam Travis on Tuesday. With limited playing time, is there any fantasy value to be had?

The Boston Red Sox topped their division rival with prospect news on Tuesday. The team announced the call-up of first baseman Sam Travis from Triple-A Pawtucket. With the lack of production from their current first baseman and limited replacement options, Travis got the call.

Rotoworld.com, and others places, reported that Travis will be splitting time with Mitch Moreland at first base. Travis will get most of his at-bats against lefties. The downside is that, with limited left-handed pitchers, he won’t get significant playing time.

Moreland is hitting just .250 and five RBI in 24 at-bats against left-handers while hitting .250 with five home runs and 16 RBI. Moreland started all but two games at first base for the Red Sox.

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The team used Hanley Ramirez at the position last season but has just one start this year. He is hitting .273 with six homers and 20 RBI this year.

Travis hit the ball well in Triple-A. In 136 plate appearances, he has a .286/.353/.452 line with four home runs, 14 RBI and 19 runs scored. He also has 24 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Travis has a 36.3 opposite field hit percentage, up seven percent from 2016. Poking the ball to the opposite side of the field will help maintain his .286 average in the majors. His line drive rate went up two percent, however, his groundball and home run rates went two percent in the wrong direction between last and this year.

Just days before the news, Rotoworld said that a call-up for Travis wasn’t happening anytime soon.

"With Mitch Moreland performing well there’s no chance of a call up, but Travis has the offensive ability to be an everyday first baseman, and it looks like he’s almost ready."

Travis is quite the unknown among the fantasy community. Though, in a season littered with injuries all over the field, he will get someone’s attention looking for a new first baseman.

Next: Should you own Brad Hand?

Travis is owned in a mere 0.4 percent of ESPN leagues. If he succeeds in his current role in Boston, I expect his ownership percentage to rise. As I mentioned in my Matt Adams’ piece, there are other first basemen worth owning. Though, in deeper or dynasty leagues, Travis is worth a speculative add.

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