The Mets made a very interesting move when they acquired 3B prospect J.D. Davis from the Astros for three minor leaguers. Mets also received minor league infielder Cody Bohanek in the deal. Davis was ranked as a top-15 prospect by Baseball America and was simply a victim of the numbers game in Houston.
The 25-year old who bats right handed, is projected as a power bat who could end up as a first baseman when it’s all said and done. Davis’ defense at third base is average. He can make the routine plays, but he lacks lateral movement. He’s got a good arm but down the road, he may be better off on the other side of the diamond.
Like any young power hitter, scouts have concerns that Davis has a swing that tends to get long, leading to many strikeouts, but, he possesses good bat speed and a good knowledge of the strike zone. If you look at his progress through the minors, he’s done a nice job of lowering those “K” totals. In 2016, Davis struck out 143 times. In 2017, that number went down to 108 and last season in the minors, Davis struck out only 69 times. In fairness, Davis played more minor league games in ’16 and ’17. Last season, he played 42 games with the Astros and had a tough time as he K’d 29 times in 103 AB’s.
The power #’s are evident. In 2015, Davis hit 26 HRS with 101 RBI’s. The next three seasons, Davis’ HR and RBI totals were 23 and 81, 26 and 78 and last season, 17 and 81.
The Mets gave up second base prospect Luis Santana, outfielder Ross Adolph, and catcher Scott Manea. Houston was reportedly high on Manea, whom they believe can be a big league catcher, although some scouts feel the 23 year old will eventually need to move to another position.
Santana is blocked by Robinson Cano so the Mets felt now was the time to use him as bait.
Davis provides depth at third base (Todd Frazier has only one year left on his deal) and if Peter Alonso doesn’t work out at first base, the Mets could always move him to that spot.
The Astros traded Davis because he was blocked by established major league talent. This is a smart move for the Mets who may benefit from Houston’s surplus of talent.