Matt Chavez just had one of the best seasons in minor league history.
Chavez, a former 44th round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox in 2010, was named MVP of the Pacific Association after putting together a season to remember. In 66 games he belted 31 home runs and drove in 85, both led the league. His .383 batting average was good for second in the league (.384). if that isn’t good enough, his OBP was over .460 (.469) and slugging topped out at .795 for a ridiculous OPS of 1.265. This wasn’t Chavez’ first run in with a Triple Crown. In 2012, as a member of the Prescott Montezuma Federals, he batted .430 with 18 home runs and 49 RBI in 39 games leading the Freedom Professional Baseball League in each category.
Those numbers were completed in only 66 games. Can you imagine if he played the entire 78 games? Chavez, who has two years of Indy ball under his belt, which also includes a breif stint with the San Francisco Giants’ Augusta GreenJackets, caught the eye of the San Diego Padres organization. The Padres signed Chavez prior to the end of the Pacific Association season, becoming the first Association player to sign with a MLB club. In 15 games with the Lake Elsinore Storm, the Advanced A affiliate of the Padres, he kept the hit parade going batting .293 with three home runs and eight RBI.
What Chavez has done to put the Association on the map is incredible. His season was historic. All the praise is well deserved.
“What Matt accomplished this season was absolutely incredible,” said Pacifics President and General Manager Mike Shapiro. “He put together the best offensive season not only in Pacific Association history, but also one of the best ever in the history of minor league baseball, independent or affiliated, and potentially even all of professional baseball. We’re very proud of what he achieved in helping us win our third championship and in being the first player from the league to move up to affiliated ball.”
