C.J. Chatham

Boston could use a salary-controlled option to boost middle-infield depth, so Chatham was spared from Rule 5 exposure when the Red Sox added him to their 40-man roster. A shortstop by trade, Chatham is blocked with Xander Bogaerts signed through at least 2022, possibly until 2026. However, there's playing time available at the keystone. Unless he has an outstanding spring, Chatham is earmarked for a return to Triple-A Pawtucket where he played 20 games to end the season. If he matches his .302/.330/.430 slash, Chatham could be a candidate for a promotion. His game is contact, sporting a high BABIP (batting average on balls in play) at all levels, though he rarely draws a walk. Some feel Chatham could develop power as he puts muscle on his 6-foot-3 frame, as well as incorporating more loft in his swing. Chatham is an intriguing end game or reserve pick in AL only play as he's likely to debut in 2020.

Chatham was selected in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Florida Atlantic University. Considered one of the top shortstops in the draft, Chatham was viewed as a right-handed pitching prospect in high school. He was determined to change that perception, but it wasn't until his junior season that he blossomed in the eyes of evaluators. A free swinger as a freshman and sophomore, Chatham dedicated himself to better plate discipline as a junior. With an emphasis on selectivity, Chatham increased his walk rate to 8.2 percent while posting career highs in average, on-base percentage and slugging, and moving up to third in the order. Just like that, Chatham became a hot prospect. At 6-foot-4, he's large for a shortstop, but the Red Sox think he can stick there. They also feel he'll make a two-way impact, hitting for average and power. He'll likely start at Low-Greenville in 2017.