Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up right now

By Joshua Sadlock

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 27: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the MLB preseason game at Olympic Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 27: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the MLB preseason game at Olympic Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 01: Boston Red Sox Infielder Sam Travis (59) runs to first base after batting during an MLB spring training game between the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 1, 2018. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 01: Boston Red Sox Infielder Sam Travis (59) runs to first base after batting during an MLB spring training game between the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 1, 2018. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Boston Red Sox: Sam Travis

With the surprise decision to release Hanley Ramirez last week, the Boston Red Sox have left themselves with very few options at first base. Mitch Moreland, who is better off as a left-handed half of a platoon, will now see the majority of the playing time at the position, with utility man Brock Holt also getting an occasional start. Converted catcher Blake Swihart, who has struggled to establish himself in the big leagues, could also begin playing some first base.

Holt and Swihart aren’t really first basemen (although that didn’t really prevent the Red Sox from making Ramirez a first baseman), and though he is off to a strong start this year, Moreland can be exposed if he plays every game. Boston could quickly realize they need a legitimate backup first baseman on the active roster.

Sam Travis did make his MLB debut for the Red Sox last year and hit .263/.325/.342 in 33 games with six doubles. The 24-year-old has started this year in the minor leagues but remains one of Boston’s top-10 prospects. Travis has hit only .217 at Triple-A this year but should still develop into a starter at the next level.

For Travis to hit his ceiling as a 20-25 homer threat, he will need to tweak his swing slightly to get a more favorable launch angle. He already hits line drives well to all fields and has a disciplined approach at the plate. Travis will be back with the Red Sox at some point this year.

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