LATEST REPORT: Reason JD Davis Released By San Francisco Giants, Falls Victim to Arbitration Loophole

A month following his successful arbitration hearing where he was awarded $6.9 million, third baseman JD Davis has been released by the San Francisco Giants and is now a free agent. The official transaction log on MLB.com confirms Davis’ release from the Giants on Monday.

Despite securing a significant salary through arbitration in February, Davis found himself displaced from the starting third base position after the Giants signed All-Star Matt Chapman on March 1. Consequently, the Giants placed Davis on waivers a week later, but no other team claimed him, leading to his current status as a free agent.

Since Davis’ 2024 salary was determined through arbitration rather than a mutually agreed-upon contract, the Giants are only obligated to pay him approximately $1.1 million in termination pay, as the money wasn’t guaranteed. Davis now has the opportunity to seek a new contract with any team to compensate for the $5.8 million difference.

At nearly 31 years old, Davis boasts a career batting average of .261 and a .775 OPS over 594 games with the Houston Astros, New York Mets, and Giants, tallying 68 home runs, 215 RBI, and a 3.1 WAR.

Davis joined the Giants during the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline, where he performed well, ending the season with a .263 batting average and an .857 OPS. However, his performance dipped in 2023, with a .248 batting average and a .738 OPS, despite contributing 18 homers and 69 RBI over 144 games. Notably, Davis struggled defensively, particularly at third base, accumulating -11 defensive runs saved. His versatility in left field and first base hasn’t proven significantly more effective either.

Although there’s speculation about the Toronto Blue Jays as a potential destination for Davis, their recent signings of veteran sluggers Joey Votto and Daniel Vogelbach may alter their plans. A reunion with the Mets or a contract with the New York Yankees could also be possibilities for Davis.