Third baseman J.D. Davis has reached an agreement with the Oakland Athletics on a $2.5 million, one-year contract following his recent release by the San Francisco Giants.
As reported by a source speaking to The Associated Press on Friday night under the condition of anonymity pending a physical, Davis has the potential to earn an additional $1 million through performance bonuses.
Davis, set to turn 31 next month, became a free agent after the Giants released him on Monday, shortly after he won his salary arbitration case against the team. Originally slated for a $6.9 million salary, Davis was awarded just over $1.1 million in termination pay following the arbitration ruling.
The decision to release Davis stemmed from a salary dispute, where a three-person panel favored his salary demand over the Giants’ offer.
Under baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, contracts negotiated for arbitration-eligible players are guaranteed, while those determined by arbitration panels are not.
This allowed the Giants to release Davis with 30 days’ termination pay totaling $1,112,903.
Davis, who joined the Giants in August 2022 after being acquired from the New York Mets, contributed a .248 batting average along with 18 home runs and 69 RBIs during his tenure with the team.
Despite his versatility, with the ability to play first base and outfield, Davis became surplus to requirements for the Giants following the signing of third baseman Matt Chapman to a lucrative three-year, $54 million deal.
During spring training this year, Davis showcased his hitting prowess, going 6 for 15 (.400) with two home runs and six RBIs in six games, further solidifying his value as a potential contributor for the Oakland Athletics.
