FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox signed Mitch Moreland for one year and $5.5 million. Their intention is to have him play first base against righthanded pitchers.
That will have Hanley Ramirez replace David Ortiz as designated hitter, with regular starts at first base against lefthanders.
The Red Sox theoretically should improve their infield defense, keep Ramirez fresh and productive, and benefit from Moreland’s lefthanded swing at Fenway Park.
That leaves Sam Travis at Triple A Pawtucket to start the season. But for how long?
The 23-year-old first baseman seems intent on tearing up those well-made plans. In the 15 games he has played in spring training this year, Travis is 11 of 32 (.344) with three doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBIs. He also has drawn four walks.
A second-round draft pick in 2014, Travis has yet to make his major league debut. But in 37 career spring training games with the Sox, he has hit .400 with 11 extra-base hits and 23 RBIs.
That’s hard to ignore.
“It just speaks to the advanced stage he is at as a young hitter,’’ said manager John Farrell. “It’s the ability to make an impact to the baseball pretty routinely.’’
What makes this particular spring all the more impressive is that Travis played only 47 games in 2016 because of season-ending knee surgery in May. The Sox coaches thought he would spend spring training regaining his skills, not mashing the way he has. He also has run the bases well and showed range at first base.
“I really haven’t thought about my knee,’’ Travis said Friday before going 1 for 3 with an RBI against the Houston Astros. “I feel great and I’m going out there and having fun. I didn’t know what to expect. I just wanted to crush rehab and get back out there. So far it’s been feeling good.’’
Travis pays little attention to his statistics in spring training. His no-nonsense mind-set has little room for such frivolities.
“It’s spring training,’’ Travis said. “You’re here to get on your feet, get moving, and get ready for the season. I’m trying to hit the ball hard and see what happens.’’
To get Travis extra at-bats, Farrell has used him as a late-inning replacement in games. Travis drove in the tying run and scored the winning run against the Pirates Thursday.
Those opportunities give the Sox a window into how Travis could be used later in the season if he is called up.
“To sit around for a couple hours and still come up with some good swings on low- to mid-90s type stuff tells you not only his bat speed but his intention or attention during the game to stay prepared,’’ Farrell said.
Defense is what could ultimately determine Travis’s readiness for the majors as an everyday player. He has worked with infield coach Brian Butterfield on improving at first base, particularly his footwork.
“Could he play there right now? Yes,’’ said Farrell. “Would we like to see further development? For sure.’’
There are no plans to try Travis at other positions. The Sox have ample depth in the outfield and at third base. The last time he played somewhere other than first base was his freshman year of high school in Illinois, when he played third.
“Defense is obviously a priority and it’s been a priority,’’ Travis said. “I have to keep doing what I’m doing and get better every day. It’s all aspects of the game, really. If you’re not trying to get better, that means you’re satisfied and I’m never satisfied.’’
Travis believes he has gained a lot working with Butterfield and the other coaches on the major league staff.
“Absolutely,’’ he said. “We get work in every day. But you can also learn a lot watching the guys who are playing first. It’s awesome to see if you pay attention.
“[Moreland] is somebody I talk to all the time and get a lot of pointers from. He’s a great guy and a great teammate. He obviously knows what he’s doing over there. Every piece of information I get from him, I listen.’’
Travis isn’t breaking down the roster to see if he fits. He understands he needs more Triple A development after his abbreviated 2016 season. It’s up to others to make decisions.
“You have to look at it and realize it’s out of your control,’’ he said. “You have to get better at your game and at the same time be a team player.
Once the opportunity comes, these spring training days should make the transition a little easier.
“One hundred percent,’’ Travis said. “I’m comfortable around this team. The better you feel, you can be yourself and just play. It’s great to be around these guys and if I get the chance, I’ll be ready to help them.’’
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
