Overview
Infielder J.D. Davis was designated for assignment by the Oakland A’s on Monday, just three months after the San Francisco Giants released him during spring training, a move that cost him nearly $6 million. Davis, who is capable of playing both first and third base, had signed with Oakland following his unexpected release from the Giants.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
Oakland signed Davis, 31, to a one-year, $2.5 million deal in March, an agreement made shortly after his surprising cut from the Giants. Davis had emerged victorious in salary arbitration against the Giants, setting him up to receive $6.9 million for the season. However, trials do not guarantee a full-year salary, unlike settlements.
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 sparked anger among players around the league, but despite their protests, they had little recourse. This anger dissipated somewhat after Davis signed with the A’s.
Performance and Struggles
Despite the initial optimism surrounding his signing, Davis struggled in his 39 games with Oakland, managing a batting average of .236/.304/.366, hitting four home runs, and driving in five runs. These statistics fell short of expectations and played a part in the decision to designate him for assignment.
Potential Transactions
If Oakland can find a trading partner, the acquiring team will assume a portion of Davis' remaining salary, which is fully guaranteed. If Oakland is unable to trade Davis, he could sign with a new team for a prorated portion of the $740,000 league minimum salary.
Career Statistics and Performance
Over his eight-year Major League Baseball career, Davis has been considered a well-above-average hitter, slashing .259/.341/.427. However, his defensive shortcomings have limited his ability to secure full-time at-bats. Last season with the Giants, he put up strong numbers at the plate, 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 had acquired him from the Houston Astros during the previous offseason. During that year, he posted an impressive .307/.369/.527 slash line, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 57 runs over 140 games, which were split between third base and left field.
Conclusion
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 intriguing 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 closely watching to see where the talented infielder lands next and whether he can rediscover the form that made him a valuable asset in previous seasons.