Yankees Release J.D. Davis After Hitting Just .105: What's Next for the Struggling Infielder?

The New York Yankees announced the release of infielder J.D. Davis on Friday after a disappointing stint with the team. Davis struggled mightily at the plate, hitting a dismal .105 with one RBI in 22 plate appearances over seven games. The 31-year-old Davis was acquired from the Oakland Athletics on June 23rd in exchange for minor league infielder Jordan Groshans. His brief time in the Bronx saw him make six starts, four at first base and two as a designated hitter.

Davis's Journey Through the 2024 Season

The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Davis. It began with a promising arbitration win against the San Francisco Giants, earning him a $6.9 million salary. However, the Giants released him after signing Matt Chapman to fill the third base position. Davis received $1,112,903 in termination pay as a result.

He later signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics for $2.5 million, but that stint was also brief. Davis missed time due to a right adductor strain and struggled to produce at the plate, hitting a mediocre .236/.304/.366.

Why Davis Was Released

The Yankees, in search of a solution at first base with Anthony Rizzo injured, took a chance on Davis. However, his performance didn't meet expectations, and he was eventually designated for assignment to make room for the newly acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. The Yankees' decision was a clear indication that Davis was not a part of their long-term plans.

What's Next for J.D. Davis

Now a free agent, Davis is looking to find a new home. While he may not be the same player who hit .268/.352/.443 with a 120 wRC+ from 2019 to 2023, his past performance could pique the interest of some teams seeking a veteran infielder.

However, given his recent struggles and lack of a consistent track record, his future remains uncertain. Some analysts have suggested that he could be a good fit for teams seeking a power bat off the bench. Others believe that he might need to rebuild his value in the minor leagues.

A Short-Lived Run with the Yankees

J.D. Davis's time with the Yankees was brief and ultimately unsuccessful. The organization, looking to solidify their roster for a playoff push, decided to move on from the struggling veteran. While Davis's future in Major League Baseball is unclear, the 31-year-old infielder will undoubtedly be hoping to find a new team that can provide him with an opportunity to rediscover his form.