The Tigers announced that they have traded outfielder Jonathan Davis to the Marlins in exchange for minor league outfielder Brady Allen. Neither player had a 40-man roster spot prior to the deal so no corresponding moves will be required in that regard. Allen is expected to join the High-A West Michigan Whitecaps, reports Chris McCosky of Detroit News.
Davis, 31, has appeared in the five previous major league seasons, suiting up for the Blue Jays, Yankees and Brewers. He’s never been much more than a part-time player, having made 350 plate appearances over 171 games across those five seasons.
His best assets are speed and defense, which he has shown in his time in the big leagues, stealing 18 bases in 21 tries. In terms of the glovework, he’s been worth eight Outs Above Average in that limited showing, while Ultimate Zone Rating has him just slightly above average and Defensive Runs Saved exactly par. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to pair that with much offense, having hit .185/.291/.245 thus far.
He was outrighted by the Brewers last year and signed a minor league deal with the Tigers. He’s played 36 games for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens so far this season with a robust .258/.336/.516 batting line, hitting five home runs and swiping five bags already while playing all three outfield positions. It seems the Tigers didn’t have any immediate plans to get him into the mix and have let him off the leash by sending him to Miami.
The Marlins have been trying to solve their center field position for years and their plan this year was to move second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. out there. However, it was reported last week that he’s going to miss the next four to six weeks with turf toe. The club also has corner outfielders Avisaíl García and Jesús Sánchez on the injured list, further depleting their outfield depth. The Fish have been using Bryan De La Cruz, Garrett Hampson and Peyton Burdick as their primary outfielders of late, with Xavier Edwards and Jorge Soler mixed in as well. Davis will give the club another non-roster option as they look to get those injured players back to health.
By subtracting from their own near-term outfield depth, the Tigers will add a longer-term piece in Allen. The 23-year-old was selected by the Marlins in the fifth round of the 2021 draft. Between last year and this year, he’s made 630 plate appearances in 154 games between Single-A and High-A. He’s hit .250/.340/.376 in that time for a wRC+ of 107, striking out at a 25.6% clip while walking 11.4% of the time.
GENIUS
ARE YOU READYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!
“Blind” is now living rent free in my head, so thank you for that.
I was waiting for the Korn references to fly
Outstanding. Was just coming here to post that. Well done.
What a fantastic deal for Davis, at 31, he goes from being locked in the minors to becoming the everyday CF for the Marlins for at least a few weeks, probably longer. Harris is smart to pick up a young lotto ticket OF for a player worth next to nothing to the organization while also helping the guy out.
Another OF with no power, just what the tigers need for the future. Harris traded nothing and got nothing. Guess it can’t really be held against as its basically a push.
Tiger success correlates strongly with awesome centerfielders. Chet Lemon, Grandy, Austin Jackson.
Please, don’t haughty taughty about Jackson, he was gold glove all world if his mommy didn’t spank him for grass stains. Alas, never dove for catches or went hard for base running slides.
Anywho. 23 years old, maybe future MLBer Allen for 31 year old peanuts? Yes, today. Yes, tomorrow. Maybe we’ve got our next Grandy dandy.
He got a lotto ticket which is better than zero you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take
I totally agree. Allen has a decent walk rate which is useful. On a team in the position the Tigers are in, I’ll take the lotto ticket for a Veteran depth piece signed for nothing. I always liked Davis and hope he does well in Florida.
Can of Korn
Stop the presses!!
Both look terrible in the minors. I guess the Marlins wanted to get some veteran presence in their minor system. All the best to both and I’ll try and remember both of them when they’re in the 2025 MLB All Start Game.
Tigers: Jonathan, we’ve traded you to the Marlins.
Jonathan: BOOM-SHA-UM-BA-DA-LINGA
I’ve seen Korn twice in concert.
Cool story Hansel!
Jake Mangum not liking this deal ….. thought he would be next man up for the fish
Trading an unneeded journeyman for a decent long-term prospect seems like a good move to me. Bravo Scott Harris.
I see your point but, Brady Allen strikes out a lot for a low power hitter.
Does anyone actually believe Jazz Chisholm in CF is a good idea?
It’s a low risk move. The Tigers are giving up next to nothing for him, and there’s a modest chance that Allen could develop into a useful player within two or three years. I like these kinds of deals.
Yuck
Davis does go on short burst offensive tears. I can see him as an excellent stop gap centre fielder.
COME ON!!!
Don’t know why the Fish are fooling around with Davis. He’s proven with several organizations that several of those flashy minor league seasons were just a mirage.
The smart move would be to just play Xavier Edwards every day in CF. Edwards has speed to spare, makes way above average contact and is more than capable of stealing 30 bases.
Edwards is a former #1 draft pick, so the pedigree is there for all to see should anyone doubt he’s worthy of getting an extended shot at being our everyday CF.
I’m just here for the Korn jokes.
IT’S ON!!!
What are we here for?
KoRn Jokes
When do we want them?
RIGHT NOWWWWWWWW
Shut up! Shut up!
Why? Are you gonna f*** me up?!
Maybe. I’m feeling mean today.
Oh…..