Ryan Noda #49 of the Oakland Athletics
Angels Add Depth with J.D. Davis Signing: What It Means for 2025
The Los Angeles Angels have been busy this offseason, methodically reshaping their roster to compete in 2025. Headlined by the additions of Yusei Kikuchi and Jorge Soler, the Angels also bolstered their lineup with veterans like first baseman Ryan Noda, starter Kyle Hendricks, and catcher Travis d’Arnaud. Now, the team has quietly added another name to their mix, reportedly signing former Oakland Athletics third baseman J.D. Davis to a minor-league deal, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.
J.D. Davis’ Journey to Anaheim
Davis’ career has been one of ups and downs. After being released by the San Francisco Giants during spring training in 2024, Davis found himself with the Athletics, where he initially served as their starting third baseman. In his brief stint with Oakland, he posted a .236 batting average and a .304 on-base percentage with four home runs in 39 games.
However, injuries disrupted his season early, and upon his return, Abraham Toro had secured the third base role. By June, Davis was designated for assignment and subsequently traded to the New York Yankees, who were searching for a stopgap at first base following Anthony Rizzo’s injury.
In the Bronx, Davis’ opportunities were limited. He appeared in just seven games, going 2-for-19 before being DFA’d again and eventually released in early August.
What Davis Brings to the Angels
Davis’ signing offers the Angels a low-risk depth option for their infield, particularly with questions surrounding Anthony Rendon’s durability. Rendon hasn’t played more than 58 games in a season since joining the Angels, so having an experienced player like Davis in the system could prove valuable.
Interestingly, Davis spent more time at first base (28 games) than third base (14) in 2024, showcasing some versatility. Whether the Angels see him as a backup corner infielder or simply a depth piece remains to be seen.
A Concerning Trend Against Four-Seamers
While Davis has shown flashes of success in the past, there are concerns about his ability to handle fastballs. In 2024, he hit just .250 against all fastballs, with a .222 expected batting average (xBA). His struggles were particularly apparent against four-seam fastballs, where he posted a 38.2% whiff rate, the ninth-highest in MLB among players with at least 50 plate appearances against the pitch.
Teams, like the Washington Nationals, seemed to exploit this weakness, consistently challenging him with heaters. With four-seamers accounting for 43.6% of the pitches he faced in 2024 (up from 35.6% in 2023), this trend could spell trouble if Davis is thrust into a larger role in Anaheim.
Outlook for 2025
Davis is not expected to be a cornerstone player for the Angels, but his signing represents a strategic move to add depth and experience to a team looking to contend. With uncertainty surrounding Rendon’s health and some unproven talent in the lineup, Davis could carve out a role as the season progresses.
However, if his struggles against fastballs persist, it may limit his ability to contribute meaningfully. For now, the Angels are taking a chance on a veteran with a track record of resilience and flashes of potential. Time will tell if Davis can capitalize on the opportunity and make an impact in Anaheim.
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