Free-agent infielder J.D. Davis and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a minor-league contract, a source tells FanSided. The move was first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride of a season for Davis. Before the season, the 31-year-old agreed to a $6.9 million contract to avoid arbitration with the San Francisco Giants, who then placed Davis on waivers shortly after and became a free agent. He then signed with the Oakland A’s, who then traded him to the New York Yankees, who recently designated him for assignment.
Now, Davis joins a Baltimore team that has World Series aspirations. In Triple-A, Davis will get consistent at-bats and his deal surely includes opt-out clauses, so if a major-league opportunity arises, he will have the ability to accept it. If Coby Mayo does not look major-league ready at third base, then Davis can be promoted and provide a veteran bat in the lineup.
It’s a low-risk deal for the Orioles, who added a player who has hit .257/.340/.425 with a .764 OPS, 72 home runs and 221 RBI in eight major-league seasons. While he has struggled this season, hitting .218/.293/.338 with a .631 OPS and four home runs, perhaps a change of scenery – and more consistent at-bats – will help Davis get back on track.
After all, Davis is only one season removed from hitting .248/.325/.413 with a .738 OPS, 18 home runs and 69 RBI in 144 games with the San Francisco Giants.
