After long-rumored Chicago Cubs target Matt Chapman signed with the San Francisco Giants, the North Siders seem even more committed to letting Christopher Morel start at third base in 2024. If they had interest in Chapman, what would preclude them from pursuing a cheaper alternative? Enter J.D. Davis, who started 116 games at the hot corner for the Giants last season.
With Chapman on board, Davis appears to be a man without a primary position in San Francisco. He has positional versatility that includes first base and outfield experience, but the Giants currently have LaMonte Wade Jr. at first base and a surplus of outfielders already.
Last season, Davis logged a .738 OPS and hit 18 home runs in 546 plate appearances. Now 30 years old, Davis has quietly enjoyed a decent career with the Giants, Houston Astros, and New York Mets.
The Cubs could benefit by adding a player like Davis. They still have questions when it comes to a permanent solution at third base. Patrick Wisdom has experience at the position, but it doesn't seem he'll be the Opening Day option at this time.
If all goes well, Morel will take over at the hot corner. But if not, it'd be nice to have a proven option there for a team striving to make the postseason.
Davis, who's entering his final year of arbitration, is slated to make $6.9 million for the 2024 season. Given that modest financial commitment, the Cubs make sense as a potential landing spot. However, it'd be interesting to see what the Giants would want in return.
This is a unique situation at this point in Spring Training as several intriguing free-agent and trade options are still on the table. The Cubs have always been an "opportunistic striker" under Jed Hoyer's watch, and acquiring Davis would certainly fit that approach.
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