Giants third baseman J.D. Davis had a great year in 2023, but the team signed Matt Chapman, leaving him feeling unappreciated.thThe team signed Matt Chapman to a three-year, $54 million contract similar to Cody Bellinger's. CubsConsidering the Cubs, it could make sense for them to trade for Davis. Giants move him?
The Cubs need a consistent third baseman who can defend well without sacrificing offense. Davis hit 18 home runs and had 69 RBIs with a .248 batting average. He is likely a No. 8 hitter.
Davis expressed dissatisfaction with how the Chapman signing was handled by the team. He stated that he didn't receive any communication about it and acknowledged that it's part of the business. He also said that every management handles things differently.
Several teams, including the Cubs, are being considered as potential trade destinations for Davis. According to Nick Deeds of MLB Rumors, the Cubs are one of three logical destinations for a trade. If the Cubs traded for J.D. Davis, it could bring them some advantages.
Last week, Nick Deeds described Davis as a player with potential upside.
He mentioned that Davis performed well in the past, making him an attractive target for teams like the Cubs.
The Cubs are questioning whether 24-year-old Christopher Morel can become a regular third baseman. Mariners, or Brewers.”
Morel has played multiple positions in two seasons with the Cubs but has limited experience at third base. The team is hopeful that Morel, who hit 26 home runs last year, can fill the third base position despite concerns about his suitability. The Cubs have confidence in Morel as a third baseman, but it's possible they are trying to make him fit into that role.
Christopher Morel's defensive skills as a third baseman are under scrutiny.
The Cubs could choose Nick Madrigal for his defense at third base, but they want Morel to have a consistent position to improve his performance.
Manager Craig Counsell expressed the intention to focus on Morel playing at third base during Spring Training.
He mentioned this via MLB.com. He also emphasized the importance of giving Morel a chance and some consistency at third base to evaluate his performance. The team is evaluating Morel's performance and intends to make decisions based on his progress in Spring Training.
But acquiring Davis would be a safer choice, providing the Cubs with a more well-known player who is skilled both at hitting and fielding. This would result in Morel going back to primarily being a DH, which the Cubs may not necessarily prefer.
Acquiring Davis is unlikely, but if the Cubs still have concerns about Morel in a couple of weeks, it would be worth reconsidering the possibility.
Discussing potential Cubs trades in March? Why not? If the excitement about Chris Morel as the new third baseman diminishes, JD Davis could become an alternative choice.