The Angels and infielder J.D. Davis are in agreement on a minor league contract, reports Robert Murray of FanSided. The ALIGND Sports client will be in big league camp with the Halos as a non-roster invitee this spring.
Davis, 32 in April, scuffled through his worst season since establishing himself as a big leaguer in 2024. In 46 games and 157 plate appearances between the A’s and Yankees, he hit just .218/.293/.338 — a notable drop-off for a player who from 2019-23 slashed .268/.352/.443 between the Mets and Giants. Davis actually cut his strikeout rate to 24.8% — three points lower than in 2023 and nearly nine percentage points shy of his 2022 mark — but his walk rate fell below average and his batted-ball profile eroded. From ’19-’23, Davis averaged 91.2 mph off the bat and hit 47.1% of his batted balls at least 95 mph; in 2024, he averaged 89.1 mph off the bat and had a 43.7% hard-hit rate.
Davis has played both infield corners and left field in his career, though the majority of his time has come at the hot corner. He hasn’t graded well there or in left field but has more passable defensive marks in 465 innings at first base. With the Angels, he’ll compete for a bench job and provide some depth behind oft-injured third baseman Anthony Rendon and young first baseman Nolan Schanuel.
The Halos’ bench is mostly full right now, with backup catcher Travis d’Arnaud, utilityman Kevin Newman and fourth outfielder Mickey Moniak all seemingly locked into spots. Infielder/outfielder Scott Kingery and non-roster invitee Tim Anderson could vie for that final spot alongside Davis and others. Kingery is on the 40-man roster but has minor league options remaining. None of d’Arnaud, Newman or Moniak can be optioned.
An exact timeline on shortstop Zach Neto, who underwent shoulder surgery following the season, isn’t yet known. However, there’s a chance he could start the season on the injured list. That’d give Davis and other non-roster players in camp a better chance at winning a spot. If Neto indeed opens the year on the injured list, one of Newman or Anderson would presumably get the nod at shortstop to begin the season.
Once again we are shopping in the discount aisle
@halosfan5710. It’s not as bad as it seems. Kingery, Davis,noda,kieboom will be the guys that get called up in case of a emergency. It’s better than Velasquez, wagaman,cabbage,tucker,and the 30 others I forgot about.
Don’t forget about Jack Lopez!
@ryan. He’s still on the team. Lol. Hopefully his locker is by the door along with saurez.
They still need to strengthen their every day line up. You cannot knowningly go into the season with Rendon and Adell and expect to win.
Why can’t you go into the season with Adell? He made a swing adjustment in his first full year down the stretch and improved his slash line tremendously. Was a gold glove finalist, hit 20 home runs, and it was his 1st full season in the mlb. You don’t give up on guys that quick. He’s 25.
Rendon totally.
Your stats capture a small sample size of his big league appearances. I suppose there is such a thing as a late bloomer, but you have to have a legit Plan A/B.
@psychguy. They kinda do. have four outfielders with soler able to play sparingly. They have noda or Davis as DH. I would say they went to C. Definitely have more flexibility. The backup plan was nonexistent the last three years.
JD Davis? I suppose if he plays 3B and gives production like he did in 2023 that is a likely upgrade over Rendon.
@psychguy. Standards get lowered. When lamb,moustakas,duffy,calhoun,and sano were in lineup,and those were the good ones. Rendon will stay,but I don’t think they care if he missed 60 games this year.
If Arte wanted to make a statement he’d just cut Rendon and move on.
@pyschguy. Why so he just retires. The statement is making him dress and show up.
@Rexhudler86. I feel like this year is boom or bust for Rendon. The contract is deep enough in that if he gets hurt and has to miss any extended time, the Angels will finally cut bait.
I hope that is not the case, because even if he has a modestly successful year, the Angels are better for it.
And piss off fans/ownership. He’s there to collect a pay check. Admit your mistake and move on. “Punishing” him to play creaties a negative environment and only brings the team down.
I don’t understand why you are ok with cutting him lose and paying him (less minimum salary) to possibly go to another team, which includes division rivals, to possibly have himself a decent season.
How would you feel if the Angels cut him lose and the Astros or Rangers picked him up, because he s from Texas, and he helps lead them to the playoffs?
You aren’t punishing him to play. You are obligated to the money regardless, so why possibly help another team win AND you pay him to help the other team? There seems to be a big flaw in that logic to me.
Two reasons.
Sunk cost: the money is spent and you aren’t getting anything good. Might as well rip the band aid off and move on.
Opportunity cost: giving Rendon a roster spot is preventing another player who might be useful from having one.
The issue with the Angels is we currently don’t have anyone at third more deserving of that roster spot. Which is sad.
Fontenelle got a look in the AFL and Davis, Kingery, and Anderson are in the infield mix now so the team is hoping to change that without spending any more money. Maybe it works, probably not.
@halosheavenjj. That’s why I was suggesting Rendon take his vacation early. So we can see Anderson and Davis. I bet one will opt out if they dont make the roster, and it’s most likely Davis. Anderson will get a longer leash. because he’s the third shortstop, plus if I remember correctly he can bunt just seems like he’s more of a Washington guy that can be a pinch runner, and share time with newman at 2nd. Most likely your correct both won’t work out, and we have moore. Kingery and kieboom in the minors isn’t great, but if we have to count on them might as wave the white flag. Keeping Rendon as the backup third baseman is fine because I doubt he cares if he sits.
I can see your point, and I am all for providing opportunity.
If any of those four comes out and has a phenomenal spring, then I might get behind your point a little more.
That is what ST is all about.
I have a feeling Wash and Anderson will mesh, too.
Wash’s drills are great at getting back to basics. Maybe getting Tim back to just liking fit co tact and taking infield is best.
We’ll see.
I would designate him for assignment and put him in AA as a bench player. Then every seven days switch him to A ball, AAA, back to AA, rookie ball, tell the public he is a depth piece. Make him uncomfortable till he quits. I don’t think he would dismiss his multimillion salary.
آشتون كوتش – You can cut Rendon so you can replace him on the roster, but you still have to pay him and he is no longer under any obligation to you. If you wanted to have him in AA , you would need sign him to a new minor league contract and pay him for that. The good news would be if another team where to sign him to a MLB contract that team would have to pay league minimum wage. That small amount would be deducted from the 70 million for 25 and 26.
Can’t send him to the minors unless he agrees to it! (No chance in hell) They would have to release him and still pay him!
@kingsfan1968 Are you kidding me?! Of course, they can’t just send him to the minors without his consent—that’s basic contract law! What did you think this was, amateur hour? They signed the deal, they knew the terms, and now they have to live with it. If they want out, they have to release him and eat the cost—their problem, not his! Maybe next time they shouldn’t throw money at someone unless they’re ready to deal with the consequences! This isn’t rocket science; it’s accountability!
You suggested they send him to double a. He was telling you it’s not possible. Either way he’s wants to get released so he can retire. It makes sense for the angels to keep him. Really not blocking anyone at the moment.
@Rexhudler86 To be honest with you, I didn’t read what he wrote because he had exclamation points all over the place, so I just copied what he wrote, went over to ChatGPT and put in the prompt, “respond to the following comment in the most angry way possible:”his comment.” That was the result. I did read your comment though. 🙂
Did you read my reآلي مكبيل_.._.بيتزا بيبيروني آشتون كوتشر – Did you read my reply? All exclamation points free.
Naw This looks more like dumpster diving to me.
This is what they should have been doing all offseason. Load up on minor league deals and try to create some depth. I’d rather signings like this than give up picks we desperately need . That being said go get Flaherty since he doesn’t come with a QO.
So glad we didn’t settle for Profar, Santander, Alonso or any other actual major league ready player.
“I bet you can’t repeat another year of 99 losses with players like Kevin Pillar and Johnny Cueto.”
Perry, “hold my beer.”
I’m a Yankee fan and I totally forgot JD Davis was on the team.
Thanks for reminding me I wanted to forget 🙂
He was awful
He joined the monument park of way past their prime “Cashman” acquisitions:
– Lyle Overbay
– Travis Hafner
– Kevin Youkilis
– Troy Tulowitzki
– Ike Davis
– Josh Donaldson
– Vernon Wells
– round 2 of Nick “Mr Glass” Johnson
– Randy Winn
– Richie Sexson
– Stephen Drew
– Kendrys Morales
@craven – the only one on that list I can say wasn’t past his prime, but due to physical issues was Morales. After he broke his leg on that home run celebration, he was never the same. One of those “what if” moments.
Id argue Ike Davis was a “never was” more than “past his prime”.
Kellin, he seemed to do OK with Toronto and KC. I do see your point though in terms of his production
Not bad. Just surprised davis couldn’t find a team with more consistent playing time. I guess he can still make the team, but he has to beat out a Anderson which will be harder to do since he can play 2b/ss.
You’re surprised?? He’s dreadful. I’m surprised anyone dumpster dove deep enough to reel in his whining self.
It seems most of the guys on this roster (Rendon, Anderson, Davis, Kingery, etc.) had their best season back in the juiced ball 2019. Been a rough road ever since.
Angels have bench depth. Maybe need to discuss starting lineup more
@westcasey. The starting lineup doesn’t need to be addressed.
It’s the same exact team as last year. Same four outfielders and the same exact infield. Only change is adding Soler on a salary dump and a backup catcher. Pitching? They traded Sandoval for Kikuchi and Canning for Hendricks throwing 85MPH.
@carlafong. When did we resign cueto, tucker,guillorme, calhoun, Daniel, sano,pillar, hicks, tucker, do need to list more. It’s not the same exact team. From the offense to starting pitching and even bullpen.
A hot topic on Angels podcasts this offseason is the idea that you’re not going to the playoffs if you’re going from Zach Neto to Jack Lopez. That’s why you should have veterans on the bench, even if it’s on minor league deals.
@ryanwkrol. Well now it’s neto/newman/Anderson.
Who cares what the Angels do at this point. Trade Trout if you want to make headlines.
Insignificant is the word since Arte has closed his wallet.
I guess Davis / TA/ and Kingery competing for the infield bench spot is a good thing. These moves in a vacuum are solid. However Perry/Arte haven’t addressed the larger more urgent needs. We’ve solved the bench IF and back-up catcher problems……great…..we lost 99 games.
@evan. Also DH. Trout only played in 21 games last year. The people we were trotting out last year wouldn’t even make the whitesox roster. It’s been bad for the last three years. I bet if you check most of those guys are playing in japan,Korea, or Mexico
DH and 2nd base were massive holes in the lineup. Neither one was close to league average last season. Now, at least, they are.. And 2nd could belong to Moore. If it does, he’ll be above avg
Moore is not ready to be a big leaguer just because we need a second baseman. He has work to do learning defense and how to be a professional. For god sakes, what os with you guys feeling the need to rush everyone to the majors too soon? How has it worked out for Schanuel, Adell and Detmers?
@carllafong. Why did you leave out neto, and schanuel wasn’t terrible his rookie year.
The Angels have 11 players making $105 million in total salary falling off the books over the next 2 years.
They have a collection of young arms and guys like Moore, Rada, and hopefully Fontenelle on track to debut over the next 2-3 years.
For now they are biding their time and adding lottery tickets like Davis and Anderson.
When Rendon comes off the books we are gonna party.
Rada is a singles hitter and at least three-years away. Certainly he’s not a game changer– and he had a bad year last year.
Rada was 18 years old playing in AA.
Believe it or not, he actually had his moments. He hit .394 in September and .323 in July. He obviously struggled at other times, but like a lot of young hitters, he’s figuring out how to make adjustments.
His minor league OBP, including last year, is .378 with 117 steals.
He’s still worth keeping an eye on.
Speaking of J.D., has anyone latched on to Martinez?
Not sure which is worse for a fan – paying face value for a ticket to see Javy Baez or Anthony Rendon play baseball.
After careful deliberation, I have concluded the lesser ill is watching the one I suspect is actually trying.
Angel fans don’t watch Rendon when we buy tickets ha ha.
The fields at Tempe Diablo are going to be crowded this spring!
I hope these veterans, teach, coach, and push the kids. Seems like the deepest group of role players the Angels has had in a long long time.
I am all for it.
@angels1972. I’m hoping Rendon starts the year on the DL. So we can see who we need to keep between Anderson and Davis. Wouldn’t surprise me if they can both opt out.
I think Anthony Rendon will sit on the bench utility or the Angels cut ties Rendon doesn’t wanna play baseball
@Rexhudler Are you counting Neto in or out to start the season in that scenario?
@angels72. Neto being out. Jd backing up rengifo, with Anderson at 2nd. Newman at ss. Just think we will lose Anderson or Davis, because the better players usually put it on contract it’s sometime in june. Lamb had it on his deal
Arte Moreno what about you saying you’re spending more money this year than last year are you breaking your promise Arte no wonder why the Angels don’t get a big money cable deal like spectrum you’re running this franchise into the ground it’s time to get out of the game before you lose fan attendance
@Rexhudler I get what you are saying. I would assume they have a clause as well. I hope they all have a good spring. It would be he best problem to have.
Go Angels
the best of luck to JD. He was treated unfairly. I hope he can re-establish his career.
Its crazy how the juiced baseball in 2019 made marginal players look like future stars
The Angels new everyday 3B when Rendon just looks at the field and injures everything…
Rats. I was so hoping for a JD Davis-less season. But at least now there’s still a chance we get to hear him whine about how he’s always mistreated. Waaaaaaaa.
Ok so bench is pretty much set. I’d still like for them to sign starting guys w/o a QO. Idk maybe another starter like Flaherty? Maybe Ha Seong Kim? I feel that that would maybe push them into 78-80 win territory. Maybe not enough for playoffs but the West doesn’t look as strong as it has in the past. Doubt Perry and Arte sign anyone else of impact though.
None of these signings matter, good or bad, because our pitching staff still stinks. Alliteration aside, winning begins and ends with pitching. As this team stands today, I believe we will flirt with a 100 loss season again.
@prov. I agree with the pitching part, wasn’t really approved. Different names with about the same numbers and peripherals. They definitely upgraded the offense. I’m shooting for 78 wins with my expectations and that’s with trout playing 70 games.
Saw that the Angels had a meeting with Alonso yesterday
Dude was cut by the A’s…at their lowest point last season…this is going to be a fun watch
Good on the Angels for signing these reclamation projects to minor deals! It wasn’t that long ago when they used to give out Millions $$$ to these types!
More trash to the plié