J.D. Davis, OF/3B
Player Data: Age: 26; B/T: R/R
Primary Stats: 140 G (453 PA), .307/.369/.527, 22 2B, 3B, 22 HR, 57 RBIs, 97 K, 38 BB
Advanced Stats: 136 wRC+, -2.8 BsR, .373 wOBA, 21.4 K%, 8.4 BB%, .355 BABIP, 2.4 fWAR, 1.o bWAR
Defensive Stats: -11 DRS and -13.9 UZR/150 in OF, -9 DRS, -6.1 UZR/150 at 3B,
Free Agent: 2024
2019 Salary: $561,420
Grade: B
2019 Review
Since the day Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen acquired J.D. Davis from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor leaguers Ross Adolph, Scott Manea, and Luis Santana last January, there’s been a certain degree of expectations attached to the pickup.
Trading away three mid-ceiling prospects for one player isn’t unheard of. Sending three prospects off for another, 26-year-old prospect was a bit of a shocker.
As we’ve noted in the past, following a slow start to Davis’ New York tenure — 3-for-22, in fact — his switch was kicked on in an encouraging way.
From April 6 — his two-homer game versus Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin — through the end of the season, Davis slashed .315/.376/.541 despite uneven playing time.
When guys went down, such as part-time left fielder Dominic Smith (stress fracture, left foot), Davis settled into regular playing time seamlessly.
From July 27, when Smith hit the IL, through the end of the season — a time of great prosperity for the Mets as a group — the Elk Grove, CA product’s .996 OPS (.328/.386/.610, 197 PA) led the team.
Davis’ wRC+ (136) and wOBA (.373) ranked 10th and 17th among National League hitters with over 450 plate appearances last season, which is outstanding. Though, his .355 batting average on balls in play signifies a high potential for Davis’ production levels receding a bit in 2020.
His multiple big hits, energy in the dugout, and apparent joy to be playing this game made Davis a fan-favorite. But J.D. Davis’ play in the field last season left more than a bit to be desired, which leaves him as a man without a true position heading into next season and could muddy his future with the organization.
2020 Outlook
Brodie Van Wagenen made a significant commitment to roster depth during his first offseason at the helm of the Mets. Between Davis, Jed Lowrie, Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia, Justin Wilson, and Wilson Ramos, it’s arguable that Davis had the most impressive season.
What that says about Van Wagenen’s front office is neither here nor there. What is important — in this article, at least — is that Davis appears to be panning out as a viable major leaguer.
Assuming the Mets do indeed bring in a true center fielder this offseason, that would leave Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto penciled into the Mets’ corner outfield spots and Davis without a regular spot at the position he’s most capable at.
Though, considering his penchant for hitting off the bench last year (.333/.404/.690 over 47 plate appearances as a substitute), Davis seems like an ideal candidate to be one of manager Carlos Beltran‘s higher-ranking bench bats next season.
Whether he remains a member of the Mets through the winter is to be determined. Davis has been mentioned — and justifiably so — as a likely asking price in return for any reinforcements Van Wagenen may add via trade this offseason.
Judging by his value to the Mets last season, J.D. Davis staying in Flushing through the foreseeable future feels like it would be a net positive. But if Brodie & Co. can swing a deal for a true upgrade — read: something a little more enticing than Marte — it’s certainly something to consider.
