Yankees Bolster Infield with J.D. Davis Acquisition

New York has traded for the veteran corner infielder to provide depth and versatility to their infield.

The New York Yankees have added some much-needed depth to their infield, acquiring J.D. Davis from the Oakland Athletics on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations. Davis, a 29-year-old right-handed hitter, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Bronx, having played both first and third base throughout his career.

Davis is coming off a solid season with the Athletics in 2023, where he batted .243 with 22 home runs and 69 RBIs in 140 games. His power numbers are particularly impressive, as he has averaged over 20 home runs per season during his six-year MLB career.

Yankees Bolster Infield with J.D. Davis Acquisition

Yankees Bolster Infield with J.D. Davis Acquisition

The Yankees have been looking to bolster their infield depth for some time, especially after losing Gio Urshela to free agency this offseason. Davis is expected to fill in behind Anthony Rizzo at first base and Josh Donaldson at third base, providing the Yankees with a reliable backup option at both positions.

Davis's arrival also gives the Yankees some flexibility with their infield alignment. He can play both corner infield positions at a high level, which allows manager Aaron Boone to mix and match his lineup based on the opposing pitcher or team matchups.

In addition to his defensive versatility, Davis is also a solid hitter with a good eye at the plate. He has a career on-base percentage of .339, and he has drawn over 100 walks in each of the past three seasons.

Davis's acquisition is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Yankees. He is a proven major league player with a track record of success, and he comes at a relatively low cost. If he can stay healthy and produce at a similar level to what he did with the Athletics, he could be a valuable addition to the Yankees' lineup.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of Davis's career statistics:

* **Batting Average:** .240

* **Home Runs:** 104

* **RBIs:** 413

* **On-Base Percentage:** .339

* **Slugging Percentage:** .456

Davis is expected to join the Yankees for spring training, which begins on February 16th in Tampa, Florida.