BRONX, NY: The New York Yankees announced yesterday that they have acquired infielder J.D. Davis and cash considerations from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for infielder Jordan Groshans.
It makes perfect sense for the Yankees to acquire J.D. Davis. At third base, the Yankees have a 78 wRC+ and at first base, an 86 WRC+. The "grind it out" 98 wRC+ from Davis is already an improvement.
His potential is far greater: he recorded a 118 wRC+ or more in four of the preceding five seasons, peaking at 137 in 2019. Davis' greatest position, at DH, will remain open for the time being, but his corner IF talent gives him mobility. For what it's worth, he did record a +5 OAA at third base for the Giants in 2023.
With Stanton and Rizzo on the IL for the foreseeable future, Davis could be a bench piece for when the two sluggers come back from injury. The hope for the Yankees is that Davis returns to his New York Mets form where he posted a 118 wRC+.
Davis, 31, is currently hitting .236 with 12 runs, 29 hits, 4 doubles, 4 home runs, 5 RBI's, and 9 walks in 2024. With the Yankees lackluster production coming from the hot corner, Davis is a low risk high reward move.
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