Chavis, selected 26th overall, agreed to a full-slot bonus of $1,870,500 and will forgo heading to Clemson, according to Ryan Hannable of MetroBoston. Kopech, taken 33rd overall, signed a $1,500,000 bonus, just under slot and saving Boston $178,000, according to MLB.com’s Jim Callis. Kopech will join the Red Sox and skip out on attending University of Arizona.
Chavis entered the 2014 MLB Draft ranked 21st overall by MLB.com, 26th by Baseball America, and 28th by ESPN. The 18-year-old infielder is a natural shortstop, but has the ability to play third or even outfielder or possibly catcher. The scouts who ranked Chavis prior to the draft stated they were impressed with his overall abilities more than any single tool.
Kopech was ranked 37th overall by Baseball America, 40th by ESPN, and 41st by MLB.com. The 18-year-old right-handed pitcher can hit 97 mph on the radar gun. Kopech could clean up his delivery, but has a lot of projection remaining.
The two first-rounders joined the Boston second-rounder Sam Travis who also signed on a significant Monday for the organization. Chavis and Kopech, being only 18-year-olds, will likely head to Florida, while Travis will join the Lowell Spinners.