Overview
Infielder J.D. Davis has been designated for assignment by the Oakland A's, sources mentioned on Monday, just three months after his previous release from the San Francisco Giants during spring training. This move has cost Davis nearly $6 million.
The versatile infielder, capable of playing both first and third base, had initially signed with Oakland following his surprising release from the Giants.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
In March, Davis, 31, agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Oakland after being unexpectedly cut by the Giants. Davis had won his salary arbitration case against the Giants, where he secured a $6.9 million salary for the season. However, trials do not guarantee a full-year salary unlike settlements.
Upon releasing Davis, just a week after signing third baseman Matt Chapman to a free-agent deal, the Giants were obligated to pay him only one-sixth of his contract, approximately $1.15 million. This decision angered players across the league, but despite the protests, they had limited recourse.
The frustration surrounding Davis’ release eased somewhat when he signed with the A's, although his subsequent performance did little to justify the initial outrage. Over 39 games with Oakland, Davis managed a batting average of .236/.304/.366, with four home runs and five RBIs.
Potential Transactions
The A's now face a decision regarding Davis’ future. If they manage to trade him, the acquiring team will assume a portion of the remaining salary, which is fully guaranteed. Conversely, if Oakland fails to find a trading partner, Davis may sign with a new team for a prorated portion of the $740,000 league-minimum salary.
Career Statistics and Performance
Throughout his eight-year Major League Baseball career, Davis has established himself as a well-above-average hitter, recording a slash line of .259/.341/.427. However, his defensive shortcomings have limited his opportunities to secure full-time at-bats.
Davis put up significant numbers at the plate last season with the Giants, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 69 runs over 144 games. His best season came in 2019 with the New York Mets, who had acquired him from the Houston Astros during the previous offseason. That year, Davis posted an impressive .307/.369/.527 slash line, with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs over 140 games, split between third base and left field.
Conclusion
The designation for assignment marks another twist in what has been a tumultuous year for Davis, starting with his costly release from the Giants and continuing with his challenging stint in Oakland. Despite his struggles this season, Davis' proven track record as a reliable hitter makes him an attractive prospect for teams willing to take a chance on his talent.
While his defensive abilities have been questioned, Davis' offensive prowess remains undeniable. The coming weeks will reveal whether another team will gamble on Davis by either trading for him or signing him as a free agent.
The baseball world will be closely watching to see where this talented infielder lands next and whether he can rediscover the form that made him a valuable asset in previous seasons.
Quotes:
"Infielder J.D. Davis was designated for assignment by the Oakland A's on Monday, sources mentioned, just three months after the San Francisco Giants released him during spring training, costing him nearly $6 million."
"Davis, who can play both first and third base, had signed with Oakland after his surprising release from the Giants."
"Oakland signed Davis, 31, to a one-year, $2.5 million deal in March following his surprising cut from the Giants."
"Davis had beaten the Giants in salary arbitration, where he was set to receive $6.9 million for the season."
"When the Giants released Davis just one week after signing third baseman Matt Chapman to a free-agent deal, they only owed him one-sixth of his contract, or approximately $1.15 million."
"The decision to release Davis angered players around the league, but despite protests, they had little recourse."
"This anger subsided after Davis signed with the A's."
"Nevertheless, Davis struggled in his 39 games with the team, batting .236/.304/.366, hitting four home runs and driving in five runs."
"If Oakland can trade Davis, the acquiring team will assume a portion of the remainder of his salary, which is fully guaranteed."
"If Oakland is unable to find a trading partner, Davis could sign with a new team for a prorated portion of the $740,000 league minimum salary."
"Throughout his eight-year Major League Baseball career, Davis has been a well-above-average hitter, slashing .259/.341/.427."
"Defensive shortcomings have limited his ability to secure full-time at-bats."
"He produced significant numbers at the plate last year with the Giants, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 69 runs over 144 games."
"Davis’ best season came in 2019 when he played for the New York Mets, who acquired him from the Houston Astros during the previous offseason."
"During that year, he slashed an impressive .307/.369/.527, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 57 runs over 140 games, which were split between third base and left field."
"The designation for assignment marks another twist in Davis' tumultuous year, which began with a costly release from the Giants and continued with a challenging stint in Oakland."
"Despite his struggles this season, Davis' proven track record as a reliable hitter makes him an interesting prospect for teams willing to take a chance on his talent."
"While his defensive abilities have been questioned, Davis' offensive skills are undeniable."
"The coming weeks will reveal whether another team will take a gamble on Davis by trading for him or signing him as a free agent."
"The baseball world will be watching closely to see where the talented infielder lands next and whether he can rediscover the form that made him a valuable asset in previous seasons."