JD Davis Released By San Francisco Giants, Falls Victim to Arbitration Loophole

The San Francisco Giants officially released third baseman JD Davis on Monday, according to his MLB.com transaction log.

Davis won his arbitration case against the Giants in February, securing a $6.9 million salary for 2024. The team signed All-Star Matt Chapman on March 1, though, effectively boxing Davis out of the starting third base job.

The Giants placed Davis on waivers a week later, but he went unclaimed. He is now a free agent.

Because Davis' 2024 salary was based on an arbitration reward and not an agreed-upon contract, the money was not guaranteed. As a result, the Giants only owe Davis roughly $1.1 million in termination pay.

Davis will try to make up for the $5.8 million deficit on the open market, as he can now sign with any team.

The soon-to-be 31-year-old is a .261 hitter with a .775 OPS for his career. In 594 games with the Houston Astros, New York Mets and Giants, Davis has recorded 68 home runs, 215 RBI and a 3.1 WAR.

Davis was a solid addition for the Giants at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline, considering he finished out the year batting .263 with an .857 OPS. He only hit .248 with a .738 OPS in 2023, although he did appear in 144 games while contributing 18 homers and 69 RBI.

Defense was one of Davis' major pitfalls, however, as he ended last season with -11 defensive runs saved in the hot corner. He hasn't proven to be much more effective in left field or at first base over the course of his career, either.

While the Toronto Blue Jays have been mentioned as a potential destination for Davis, they recently signed veteran sluggers Joey Votto and Daniel Vogelbach. A reunion with the Mets could be in the cards, as could a contract with the New York Yankees.