Jun 20, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Davis (28) reacts after scoring against the Miami Marlins on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Eduardo Escobar (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Former Mets fan favorite signs with Japanese ballclub

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI
By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 5:01 PM ET

A former fan favorite for the New York Mets has started the next chapter of his professional career for Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan.

Utilityman J.D. Davis signed a contract with the Saitama Seibu Lions on Thursday, according to several media outlets in Japan. Details of the deal have not yet been released, but Davis joins a Lions team that is in the thick of a heated race to make the playoffs in NPB’s Pacific League.

The Saitama Seibu Lions have signed J.D. Davis

Davis (32) is a career 111 wRC+ bat, and has been a plus bat in MLB as recently as 2023. The Lions hope he'll replace the struggling Leandro Cedeno. pic.twitter.com/NS4DWJDdcl
— Gaijin Baseball/外国人野球 (@GaijinBaseball) July 10, 2025

Davis, 32, played four seasons with the Mets after being traded from the Houston Astros in 2019; he amassed a slash line of .278/.364/.451 with 37 home runs and 120 RBI across 335 games. After signing a one-year deal with the Mets in 2022 to avoid salary arbitration, he was dealt to the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline as part of a package for outfielder Darin Ruf.

Davis went on to play for the Athletics, the New York Yankees, and, most recently, the Los Angeles Angels. He played in five games for the Angels this season before he was designated for assignment in April and officially released by the team on June 30th.

The Seibu Lions are based in Saitama, a city located approximately 30 minutes north of Tokyo. They are one of NPB's most storied franchises, with the second-most Japan Series victories (13) after only the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants (22). Davis will join former major leaguer Tyler Nevin, who played for the Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Oakland Athletics until 2024.

According to Japanese media, the Seibu Lions are set to sign former #MLB infielder J.D. Davis (Mets, Giants, A's).

A righty bat with pop, Davis brings corner infield versatility and a career .750+ OPS. Middle-of-the-order threat.

#NPB #seibulions pic.twitter.com/35JcKaq3Lh
— Pacific Swings (パシフィック・スイングス) (@PacificSwings) July 9, 2025

There have been plenty of connections between the Seibu Lions and the New York Mets in recent years. Aside from the Davis signing, three former Seibu Lions have also suited up for the Mets at one point: five-time All-Star Tony Fernandez, pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, and fan favorite Kazuo “Kaz” Matsui. The Lions were also the former team of current Los Angeles Angels pitcher Yusei Kikuchi.

This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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