Comfortability is Key: Michael Chavis is Starting to Put Everything Together

Around the quarter mark of the MLB season, many Pirates fans are searching for positives in a season that will most likely end in a sub .500 season for the fourth straight year. One of those positives that we mentioned is Michael Chavis.

The 26-year-old Chavis has revitalized his career up to this point. Since joining the Pirates in 2021, Chavis has accumulated a slash line of .317/.333/.503 along with an OPS of .837. We all have to remember that these impressive stats are from a small sample size, but it’s been impressive nonetheless.

In the 33 games Chavis has played in 2022, he’s become one of the best hitters on the team. Looking at the advanced stats for Chavis, he has a wRC+ of 131, a .356 wOBA, and an ISO of .204. The stats don’t tell the full story of Chavis, though.

“[Chavis] has put together good aggressive swings,” said manager Derek Shelton. “Chavis continues to put together aggressive swings and continues to have better at-bats. Over the course of about a week or so, Chavis has had our most consistent at-bats.”

In the past seven games Chavis has played in, he’s put together a .476/.522/.714 slash line in 21 at-bats. Although Chavis hasn’t had the most consistent playing time during the current season, recently, he’s seen a lot more time on the field, which could create comfortability.

“I think this is the first time I’ve played six games straight,” said Chavis after Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals. “I think it’s reflected on the field and how I’ve performed. The more you play, the more aware you are pitch to pitch. Earlier on, I was only facing lefties, and when I would face a righty, it would be a little odd. Now that I’ve seen righties, I’ve been feeling really good, and I feel comfortable.”

Consistency is the key for every ballplayer, and now that Chavis has started to see that consistent playing time, it has reflected on his game overall. Now we wait and see if Shelton and company utilize one of their best hitters more often in the starting lineup.