The Baltimore Orioles are bringing in former Oakland A’s third baseman J.D. Davis, as reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Andy Kostka from The Baltimore Banner confirms it’s a minor-league contract.
This marks Davis’ fourth team in 2024. He started the year with the San Francisco Giants but was released after they signed Matt Chapman, despite him having a solid Spring Training. The A’s then signed him for a one-year deal worth 2.5 million plus 1 million in incentives.
Early on with Oakland, Davis showed promise at the plate, but he hit a rough patch and ended up on the injured list with a right adductor strain in mid-April, which sidelined him for about three weeks. During his absence, Abraham Toro stepped up and claimed the third-base role, leaving Davis with fewer opportunities upon his return. He primarily played at first base and occasionally served as a designated hitter, but those chances weren’t consistent.
In early June, the rise of former top prospect Tyler Soderstrom playing first base limited Davis’s game time even more, leading to just four starts between June 1 and June 17 before he was designated for assignment on June 18.
Davis was then traded to the New York Yankees for former first-round pick Jordan Groshans. He started six games for the Yankees before being DFA’d again on July 28.
This season, Davis has a combined batting average of .218 with a .293 on-base percentage, hitting four home runs and posting a .631 OPS across 46 games.
The Orioles’ acquisition of Davis comes as they deal with the absence of All-Star third baseman Jordan Westburg, who is on the injured list with a fractured right hand. While the hope is for Westburg’s return before the end of the regular season, prospect Coby Mayo is currently stepping in at third base, despite a slow 0-for-13 start.
With both the Orioles and Yankees tied for the NL East lead at 68-47, Baltimore is seeking any advantage to strengthen their lineup. Though Davis has faced challenges this season, his veteran experience could provide a stabilizing presence at third base until Westburg returns. This move is primarily for insurance as the Orioles strive for success this season.
