A's agree to 1-year deal with J.D. Davis
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The A’s announced the signing of third baseman J.D. Davis to a one-year deal on Saturday. Terms were not announced, but a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that it's for $2.5 million with $1 million in incentives.
Davis, who turns 31 next month, was released by the Giants last Monday after San Francisco signed free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman. Davis slashed .248/.325/.413 with 18 home runs for the Giants last season after coming over in a midseason trade with the Mets in 2022.
While he was just above a league-average hitter in 2023 (103 OPS+), Davis was productive when in the lineup from 2019-22, posting an .820 OPS. The trouble was, he was hurt for much of that time.
The acquisition of Davis represents an upgrade at the hot corner for the A’s, who used six third basemen last season for a combined .556 OPS. The position was wide open entering Spring Training, and the veteran Davis provides some stability there if he can stay healthy.
The addition of Davis likely means that Darell Hernaiz, ranked Oakland’s No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, begins the season in the Minors after getting a strong look at third base this spring. The A’s will also likely have an Opening Day roster decision to make between veterans Aledmys Díaz and Abraham Toro, both of whom were also in the mix at third.