When the Cubs took Parker Chavers in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought that he came from a good program, he put up good numbers in college, and he also played in the Cape Cod league with some success. While there was some risk regarding injury, I thought this was one of the more solid picks the Cubs made on day two.
Basic Information
Age – 22
Position – CF
Height – 5-foot-11
Weight – 185
Bats – Left
Throws – Right
What MLB Pipeline Said…
“Chavers generates at least solid raw power with a quick left-handed swing and the strength in his compact frame, and he’s not swinging for the fences as much as he did in the past. He used to let his stroke get too uphill and pull-oriented, but now he’s making more consistent hard contact.”
My Thoughts on Draft Day
“Interesting pick. He played for a good program and has good bat to ball skills, something the Cubs lack. He was ranked 160 on Pipeline and 176 on BA, so he is probably not a big underslot guy. He hit 15 dingers as a sophomore before Labrum surgery. Prospects Live said he had plus-plus speed.”
The best way to describe Chavers is that he is a really good all-around player. He’s a really good defender, he has the potential for power, he has a good speed, and he is a consistent hitter. All of his college career points to him doing the same as a pro.
Chavers’ college career began in 2018 when he hit .323 with a .435 OBP for the Chanticleers. As a freshman, he played in 62 games, starting 60 of them. In addition, he hit seven home runs and drove in 42, which is pretty good for any freshman in any D1 program.
In 2019, Chavers put together his best season. He hit .318 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI with an OPS over 1.000. He also stole 10 bases. It’s not that many, but every profile of him says he has plus plus speed. So, there might be more of that in the tank that he’s just not using or being allowed to use.
That summer, he played in the Cape Cod league and hit .270 with an on base percentage of .350 and he also went 5-for-14 in the playoffs.
He did not play at all in 2020 due to surgery and only played in 49 games this spring after returning.
I was expecting Chavers to play at either Myrtle Beach or South Bend to start his Cubs’ career. However, for whatever reason, he did suit up but it was only in Mesa in the Arizona Complex League and it was not until September 9. He went 1-for-17 in the final ten days.
When that brief debut ended, Chavers was assigned to instructs.
And, he’s been on fire the last ten days in Mesa, actually leading off most games. He’s gone 8-for-20 (.400) in that time span, including last night. I am thinking that will be the norm for him in instructs as he is a bit advanced against mostly players that played at Low-A.
I am starting to think that South Bend will be where he begins 2022. Looks like I have another guy for my breakout list for 2022.
Cubs Central 