Overview
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.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
Oakland signed Davis, 31, to a one-year, $2.5 million deal in March following his unexpected cut from the Giants. Davis had beaten the Giants in salary arbitration, where he was set to receive $6.9 million for the season. The arbitration victory, however, did not guarantee a full-year salary unlike settlements do. 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 they had little recourse despite widespread protests. The controversy subsided after Davis signed with the A's, although his tenure with the team has been anything but smooth.
Nevertheless, Davis struggled in his 39 games with the team, batting .236/.304/.366, hitting four home runs, and driving in a total of five runs. His lackluster performance at the plate undoubtedly contributed to Oakland's decision to designate him for assignment.
Potential Transactions
If Oakland can trade Davis, the acquiring team will assume a portion of the remainder of his salary, which is fully guaranteed. Should the A’s fail to find a trading partner, Davis could 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 been 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, Davis produced significant 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 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.
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 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. Davis' journey from a surprising release to another chance in the majors continues to be a narrative worth following.