Headlines

  • Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez
  • Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff
  • Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Bobby Jenks Passes Away
  • Braves Release Alex Verdugo
  • Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

White Sox To Non-Tender Matt Davidson

By Jeff Todd | November 30, 2018 at 2:52pm CDT

The White Sox will non-tender infielder Matt Davidson, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). Eligible for arbitration as a Super Two, the slugger was projected by MLBTR & Matt Swartz to earn $2.4MM.

Davidson, 28, made some positive strides with the White Sox last season, as he more than doubled his walk rate from 4.3 percent in 2017 to 10.5 percent in 2018. Davidson managed to cut back on the alarming 37.2 percent strikeout rate he posted in 2017 as well, though his 2018 rate of 33.3 percent was still far too high. Although the slugger’s overall offensive output improved from .220/.260/.452 to .228/.319/.419, his markedly improved on-base skills came with a noted downturn in his power production.

Defensively, Davidson played a respectable first base, per both Defensive Runs Saved and Ultimate Zone Rating, but he saw limited action at his original position, third base, and was primarily a designated hitter when in the lineup. A player with such limited defensive value and questionable contact skills was apparently a tough sell in the White Sox’ front office, but Davidson could hold some value as a corner-infield bat off the bench elsewhere. He did post impressive platoon numbers, clobbering lefties at a .289/.382/.500 clip. That, however, was accompanied by a corresponding .206/.296/.391 slash against righties.

Share 0 Retweet 3 Send via email0

Chicago White Sox Transactions Matt Davidson

Dodgers Avoid Arbitration With Tony Cingrani
Main
Mets To Tender Travis d’Arnaud, Non-Tender Wilmer Flores
View Comments (49)
Post a Comment

49 Comments

  1. Joe Kerr

    7 years ago

    This comes a s a surprise to me

    6
    Reply
    • PhilliesFan012

      7 years ago

      Haven’t watched him play much but he doesn’t seem to get on base much and strikes out a ton, even so his power numbers don’t warrant enough to keep him around either, maybe if he hit more then 20 but how is his fielding?

      Reply
      • pplama

        7 years ago

        His fielding is terrible. Unplayable at 3rd and makes Abreu look like a Gold Glover at 1B.

        1
        Reply
        • PhilliesFan012

          7 years ago

          Then there you go lmao, not a very surprising move at all then.

          Reply
        • greatgame 2

          7 years ago

          Yeah he really blew it in the Cincinnati game with Volstad pitching.

          Reply
        • mohoney

          7 years ago

          Um, Matt Davidson is a better defensive 1B than Jose Abreu.

          Reply
      • MrStealYoBase

        7 years ago

        I saw him in spring training at third and he looked like a little leaguer out there. 5 innings of action and at least 3 misplays that any competent fielder would have handled.

        1
        Reply
    • ABCD

      7 years ago

      Brooks Kieschnieck 2.0.

      1
      Reply
      • Jockstrapper

        7 years ago

        Well, I’d like to think he hit a FEW more homers. Lol

        Reply
      • KCelts

        7 years ago

        You mean Davidson can pitch too?

        Reply
        • ABCD

          7 years ago

          He wants to pitch, too.

          Reply
  2. dewssox79

    7 years ago

    why

    Reply
  3. dewssox79

    7 years ago

    kind of a dumb move

    Reply
  4. nmendoza7

    7 years ago

    That’s actually surprising, damn

    Reply
  5. SupremeZeus

    7 years ago

    Avisail Garcia should be next.

    3
    Reply
    • rivera42

      7 years ago

      They should’ve moved him after he had the big, fluke year in 2017. Too late now.

      3
      Reply
      • darkstar61

        7 years ago

        To move someone, there has to be someone to move him to

        In the case of Garcia, everyone knew his season was a fluke, so no one was interested.

        5
        Reply
        • Dock_Elvis

          7 years ago

          He had a ridiculous babip that season

          Reply
        • rivera42

          7 years ago

          I don’t disagree with you, but there’s always a sucker out there.

          They could’ve gotten something for him then whereas now he’s pretty much worthless.

          1
          Reply
        • Priggs89

          7 years ago

          Yeah, but if it the return coming back was going to be minimal, would it have been worth it? Or was it worth the risk to see if he could have another solid half of baseball to convince everyone 2017 wasn’t a complete fluke?

          We obviously don’t know what was being offered, but based on the fact Rick didn’t make I move, I think he took a calculated risk there. It didn’t work out in the end, but I’d imagine he missed out on very, very little and won’t be losing any sleep over the decision.

          Reply
        • nrd1138

          7 years ago

          My guess is that all the other teams knew that, along with Garcia, the Sox were likely to non-tender both Garcia and Davidson (which they did) so Im guessing there were no calls. I would not be surprised if both of these guys go somewhere else and somehow be all stars, it is just the Chicago way.

          1
          Reply
  6. Solaris601

    7 years ago

    Big time surprise. It’s not like the guy has no value. He won’t be unemployed for long.

    Reply
  7. rivera42

    7 years ago

    Letting him go for 2.4-ish million? Hmm, interested to see who they have in mind for 3B.

    Reply
    • Priggs89

      7 years ago

      He wasn’t an option for third…

      2
      Reply
      • rivera42

        7 years ago

        Thanks. I see that he actually spent more time at 1B than 3B last year.

        1
        Reply
    • Thomas Bliss

      7 years ago

      As of now it’s Yolmer Sanchez job again this year.

      Reply
      • Aaron Sapoznik

        7 years ago

        Third base wasn’t much of an option for Matt Davidson in 2018 and wouldn’t have been this season either. As for Yolmer Sanchez, he will likely swap positions with Yoan Moncada in 2019 unless the White Sox make a move for an impacting third baseman like Manny Machado this offseason. If the latter scenario doesn’t happen, Sanchez will keep 2B warm for Nick Madrigal until 2020 while Moncada gets first crack at becoming the White Sox core player at the hot corner. In the unlikely event that Machado or someone else is acquired this winter, Moncada would then stay at 2B in 2019 while Sanchez becomes their primary utility infielder.

        Reply
        • Thomas Bliss

          7 years ago

          Trust me I know. Davidson sucks in the field.

          1
          Reply
        • greatgame 2

          7 years ago

          Volstad knows he and Palka both suck in the field.

          Reply
  8. pullhitter445

    7 years ago

    Rather play Carlos Sanchez everyday over him. Not that Sanchez is the answer at 3B. White Sox rumors to signing Nelson Cruz as there DH makes even more sense now. I love the addition of Alex colome.

    Reply
  9. realgone2

    7 years ago

    Get him Orioles

    Reply
  10. bruer2

    7 years ago

    So much for the two-way dream…

    1
    Reply
  11. southern lion

    7 years ago

    Wow! That’s a surprise.

    Reply
  12. Knowthemarket

    7 years ago

    We see more and more of these players that can hit home runs but can’t do much of anything else get non-tendered.

    2
    Reply
    • Priggs89

      7 years ago

      The way it should be.

      1
      Reply
  13. Aaron Sapoznik

    7 years ago

    A couple of surprises from the front office on non-tender deadline day. Can’t hardly wait to see what else they have up their sleeves!

    Reply
  14. corey3miller

    7 years ago

    100% means they’re getting machado

    Reply
    • Dock_Elvis

      7 years ago

      110% guarantee you’re speculating

      3
      Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      7 years ago

      So he can DH? Not very good news for Daniel Palka either. lol

      1
      Reply
  15. pplama

    7 years ago

    So far, I like what the Sox are doing today. Now if they’ll just non-tender Avi, all is well on this Friday.
    Also, pleae DO NOT replace Davidson with Nelson Cruze!

    1
    Reply
  16. snotrocket

    7 years ago

    Can he be any worse than Longoria?

    Reply
    • ChiSox. MySox. WhySox?

      7 years ago

      “Hold my beer.”
      – Matt Davidson

      Reply
    • rivera42

      7 years ago

      Nope. Much cheaper, too.

      Reply
  17. Priggs89

    7 years ago

    The hitter or the pitcher?

    The pitcher at least showed a little potential. I guess Colome took his spot.

    2
    Reply
  18. Thomas Bliss

    7 years ago

    I’m not surprised honestly. I say we’ll most likely give Palka a shot at being the everyday DH. Yolmer Sanchez is the everyday 3rd baseman for now too.

    1
    Reply
  19. whynot101

    7 years ago

    A platooning DH at best. Yolmers not the answer either he’s more a utility guy off bench than a regular in lineup. He gone soon

    Reply
    • Thomas Bliss

      7 years ago

      I hope not. Even if he does go back to a bench role I love his personality and passion and would love for him to stay a South Sider for the rest of his career.

      2
      Reply
      • Priggs89

        7 years ago

        Don’t worry. Despite feeling like he has been around forever, he’s only 26, and he’s under control until 2022. He won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

        1
        Reply
  20. thebare54

    7 years ago

    Royals be smart some guys hit well in some stadiums KC this is your man on a cheap contract # 3b,1b,DH fill in

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

  • Top Stories
  • Recent

Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Bobby Jenks Passes Away

Braves Release Alex Verdugo

Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

Rangers Option Josh Jung

Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

Tucker Barnhart To Retire

Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

Dave Parker Passes Away

Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

Trade Deadline Outlook: Chicago Cubs

Latest On Rockies’ Expected Deadline Approach

Kolby Allard Elects Free Agency

Rangers Re-Sign Billy McKinney To Minor League Deal

White Sox Outright Vinny Capra

White Sox Sign Kyle Tyler To Minor League Deal

Nationals Sign Luis Garcia

Poll: The Yankees’ Biggest Need At The Deadline

Yankees Place Mark Leiter Jr. On IL With Fibular Head Stress Fracture

Rhys Hoskins Expects To Be Out Roughly Six Weeks

MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

Latest Rumors & News

Latest Rumors & News

  • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
  • Luis Robert Rumors
  • Alex Bregman Rumors

 

Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

MLBTR Features

MLBTR Features

  • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
  • Front Office Originals
  • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
  • MLBTR Podcast
  • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
  • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
  • Contract Tracker
  • Transaction Tracker
  • Extension Tracker
  • Agency Database
  • MLBTR On Twitter
  • MLBTR On Facebook
  • Team Facebook Pages
  • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

Rumors By Team

  • Angels Rumors
  • Astros Rumors
  • Athletics Rumors
  • Blue Jays Rumors
  • Braves Rumors
  • Brewers Rumors
  • Cardinals Rumors
  • Cubs Rumors
  • Diamondbacks Rumors
  • Dodgers Rumors
  • Giants Rumors
  • Guardians Rumors
  • Mariners Rumors
  • Marlins Rumors
  • Mets Rumors
  • Nationals Rumors
  • Orioles Rumors
  • Padres Rumors
  • Phillies Rumors
  • Pirates Rumors
  • Rangers Rumors
  • Rays Rumors
  • Red Sox Rumors
  • Reds Rumors
  • Rockies Rumors
  • Royals Rumors
  • Tigers Rumors
  • Twins Rumors
  • White Sox Rumors
  • Yankees Rumors

Navigation

  • Sitemap
  • Archives
  • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

MLBTR INFO

  • Advertise
  • About
  • Commenting Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS Feed

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top

Register

Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version