Angels Sign J.D. Davis to Minor League Deal,Adding Depth to Infield
The Los Angeles Angels have bolstered their infield depth by signing veteran infielder reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. The 32-year-old, represented by ALIGND Sports, will join the Angels’ big league camp as a non-roster invitee this spring, competing for a spot on the Opening day roster.
Davis, who turns 32 in April, is coming off a challenging 2024 season.Splitting time between the Oakland Athletics and New york yankees, he posted a career-low slash line of.218/.293/.338 across 46 games and 157 plate appearances. This marked a significant decline from his 2019-23 performance, where he slashed .268/.352/.443 with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. While he reduced his strikeout rate to 24.8% in 2024, his walk rate dipped below average, and his batted-ball metrics suffered.From 2019-23,davis averaged an exit velocity of 91.2 mph and a hard-hit rate of 47.1%; in 2024, those numbers fell to 89.1 mph and 43.7%, respectively.
A versatile defender, Davis has experience at both infield corners and left field, though he’s primarily spent time at third base.While his defensive metrics at the hot corner and in left field have been subpar,he’s shown more promise in 465 innings at first base. With the Angels, he’ll provide depth behind injury-prone third baseman medium=linker&utmsource=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-01-24br”>Nolan Schanuel.
The Angels’ bench is already crowded, with backup catcher medium=linker&utmsource=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-01-24br”>Kevin Newman, and fourth outfielder medium=linker&utmsource=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utmcampaign=2025-01-24br”>Scott Kingery and fellow non-roster invitee health of shortstop health of key players like Neto and Rendon.
Stay tuned for updates as the Angels’ roster takes shape ahead of the 2025 season.
