Yankees Trade for J.D. Davis to Add Corner Infield Depth
The Yankees have bolstered their infield by acquiring veteran corner infielder J.D. Davis and cash considerations from the Athletics in exchange for infielder Jordan Groshans.
Davis, 31, has played 39 games for Oakland this season, hitting .236 (29-for-123) with four home runs and five RBIs, while covering both first and third base defensively. The Athletics designated him for assignment on June 18.
The Yankees’ need for infield depth has intensified, especially after first baseman Anthony Rizzo fractured his right arm on Sunday in Boston. This injury led New York to call up rookie catcher/first baseman Ben Rice, the club’s No. 12 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The 25-year-old Rice has managed three hits in 14 at-bats (.214) so far.
Additionally, the Yankees have been rotating DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera at third base. Davis is expected to join the Yankees for Tuesday’s Subway Series opener, marking a return to Citi Field for Davis, who played for the Mets from 2019 to 2022.
Davis is a .259 career hitter over parts of eight big league seasons. He has been released twice this season, initially signing a Major League contract with the Giants in February before being released in March and then joining Oakland five days later. This season, Davis is earning $2.5 million with potential incentives of up to $1 million.
Last season with the Giants, Davis posted a .248/.325/.413 slash line (105 OPS+) with 23 doubles, a triple, 18 homers, and 69 RBIs in 144 games. His previous stints include time with the Astros (2017-18), Mets (2019-22), Giants (2022-23), and A’s (2024).
Jordan Groshans, 24, has been playing at Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. In 50 games, Groshans has a .232/.310/.280 batting line with five doubles, a homer, and 15 RBIs.
To accommodate Davis on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have transferred right-hander Nick Burdi to the 60-day injured list.
Leave a Reply