Ike DavisIke Davis has been one of the more inconsistent hitters in Mets history. At first he seemed to have a solid rookie year with tons of potential in 2010, he was on pace for a monster year in 2011 before a freak injury, in 2012 he had an atrocious first two-and-a-half months and a miraculous 20-homer 2nd half, and in 2013 he never got his power together- or his basic hitting. At this point it seems that four-to-six teams have strong interest in Davis or Lucas Duda. Considering the fact that Davis has surpassed 30 home runs before, it appears that he would be the better trade chip. Here are all 29 other teams and reasons why or not he could end up there:

Arizona Diamondbacks:

Why Not: At this point with the development of Paul Goldschmidt it seems there won’t be another first baseman there for a long time.

Why: Maybe if the Mets and Diamondbacks are trade partners later in the winter, he could be a throw-in to be on the bench for them.

Percent chance of ending up here: 1%

Atlanta Braves:

Why Not: Freddie Freeman is the new face-of-the-franchise for the Braves and it doesn’t seem anyone else at first base except him. The Mets also don’t want to see him hit a bunch of homers for their rival off the bench.

Why: Unless Davis is released and the Braves pick him up he won’t end up there.

Percent chance of ending up here: 0%

Baltimore Orioles:

Why Not: There isn’t a lot that the O’s could offer in a trade, so it would be tough for the Mets to trade Davis. The Mets don’t plan on non-tendering Davis so he can’t be obtained that way.

Why: Even though Chris Davis was a nominee for the Gold Glove, he can’t play defense. Davis could move to the DH position and Davis could slide in at first.

Percent chance of ending up here: 10%

Boston Red Sox:

Why Not: The Red Sox have too many options to waste their time taking a chance on Davis.

Why: I really can’t think of a reason Davis would end up here because he can’t be a DH with David Ortiz there.

Percent chance of ending up here: 0%

Chicago Cubs:

Why Not: Anthony Rizzo is a fine player that should bounce back from a bad year and the Cubs are headed in the right direction. It doesn’t seem likely that Theo Epstein would take this kind of gamble.

Why: There is a small chance that Epstein might want minor league depth in case Rizzo is injured, that would really be the only reason he would end up here.

Percent chance of ending up here: 2%

Chicago White Sox:

Why Not: José Dariel Abreu, Adam Dunn, and Paul Konerko could all be options for first base of DH next year and another player would be excess.

Why: There is a strong possibility that Dunn will be flipped at the deadline next year, Konerko won’t return, and Abreu can’t play defense. The White Sox may want some depth on their roster while in a rebuilding mode.

Percent chance of ending up here: 20%

Cincinnati Reds:

Why Not: Joey Votto.

Why: Literally nothing will bring him here.

Percent chance of ending up here: 0%

Cleveland Indians:

Why Not: After making the postseason, the Indians might not want to take too much of a gamble. The Indians said they won’t trade Asdrubal Cabrera and they can’t offer much else to the Mets.

Why: The Indians could do better at the DH/1B position considering Jason Giambi was there main DH down the stretch in 2013. Davis is better at defense than Nick Swisher and there is a chance that the Indians may want to boost more power in their lineup.

Percent chance of ending up here: 30%

Colorado Rockies:

Why Not: The Mets might get too trigger happy trying to land Troy Tulowitzki and Alderson may not be able get rid of Davis.

Why: The Rockies have too replace their franchise player Todd Helton with more power, Davis could be their man. In no, way, shape or form can this land Tulowitzki but it could get rid of Davis easily. Davis will probably thrive with not a lot of media and Coors Field’s magic.

Percent chance of ending up here: 80%

Detroit Tigers:

Why Not: There is simply too much depth with the Tigers; Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera, and Victor Martinez.

Why: Maybe the Tigers would want more lefty power off the bench, which would be the only reason for his arrival here.

Percent chance of ending up here: 2 %

Houston Astros:

Why Not: He is making more than 1 million. There is also some depth with that position for the Astros; Chris Carter and Jonathan Singleton.

Why: He could be their starting first baseman until Singleton arrives, or until he adjusts to the majors. There is some kind of chance here.

Percent chance of ending up here: 20%

Kansas City Royals:

Why Not: Eric Hosmer has finally figured things out and Billy Butler shouldn’t actually be traded.

Why: In the unlikely case Butler is traded Davis could fill the DH position.

Percent chance of ending up here: 5%

Los Angeles Angels:

Why Not: It may be difficult for the Angels to say but Albert Pujols is their first baseman.

Why: If Trumbo is traded and Pujols has another set-back, then the Angles could be looking for some power at first.

Percent chance of ending up here: 1%

Los Angeles Dodgers:

Why Not: Considering that Adrian Gonzalez is still a top-tier player, Davis won’t be considered by the Dodgers.

Why: I really don’t see any reason he will be a Dodger next year.

Percent chance of ending up here: 0%

Miami Marlins:

Why Not: Logan Morrison is still the Marlins first baseman and their front office probably notices that Davis won’t hit for much power in Miami. The Mets probably won’t want to see Davis thrive for an NL East team.

Why: In the likely event that Morrison is injured, they might want to give another scrappy lefty first baseman a chance.

Percent chance of ending up here: 10%

Milwaukee Brewers:

Why Not: If Corey Hart signs and Juan Francisco is still liked in the organization, there wouldn’t be a ton of reasons to add Davis.

Why: Francisco has been a complete bust and there is a good chance that Hart doesn’t return. The Brewers might want a possible power bat for all their questionable offensive players.

Percent chance of ending up here: 50%

Minnesota Twins:

Why Not: Target Field is enormous, and the Twins probably aren’t looking for pure power hitters but more of double hitters. Besides, Joe Mauer is their full-time 1B now.

Why: In the likely case that Mauer gets injured the Twins might want some raw power on their roster.

Percent chance of ending up here: 5%

New York Yankees:

Why Not: The Yankees have to assume that Mark Teixeira is their man next year and they probably won’t want supplemental arbitration players.

Why: They might want to steal Davis from the Mets and have him turn into a wonderful player.

Percent chance of ending up here: 10%

Oakland Athletics:

Why Not: Brandon Moss is only receiving his first arbitration this year and the A’s have two of the top 10 first base prospects.

Why: Davis could still be a pinch hitter and a defensive replacement. The A’s have also been known to convert forgotten players into productive ones- Davis could be the next.

Percent chance of ending up here: 30%

Philadelphia Phillies:

Why Not: The Phillies have a bunch of options already to put at first base, and Alderson would hate to see Davis thrive in Philly.

Why: There is pretty much no reason he would come here.

Percent chance of ending up here: 0%

Pittsburgh Pirates:

Why Not: The Pirates might want to settle internally for a first baseman or they would go for top notch on the free agent market.

Why: The Pirates need a first baseman and they might want to take a risk for more lefty power.

Percent chance of ending up here: 25%

San Diego Padres:

Why Not: The Padres really like Yonder Alonso and hopefully the organization has realized that power isn’t a possibility in Petco Park.

Why: If the Padres organization is still looking for more power- Davis could attempt to provide them with it.

San Francisco Giants:

Why Not: Buster Posey and Brandon Belt are both quality players that have learned to hit in an awful hitting park-the Giants probably won’t want to ruin this.

Why: In the case that the Giants become too scared of missing the postseason, they might make some rash decisions and Davis could be brought in.

Percent chance of ending up here: 5%

Seattle Mariners:

Why Not: The Mariners might want to keep trying with Justin Smoak and maybe Jesus Montero.

Why: After being one of the team leaders in homers for the 2013 season it would make sense to find some more power after the possible departure of Kendrys Morales and Raul Ibanez.

Percent chance of ending up here: 60%

St. Louis Cardinals:

Why Not: If the Cardinals really wanted lefty power they would start Matt Adams.

Why: Pretty much no reason he will end up in St. Louis.

Percent chance of ending up here: 0%

Tampa Bay Rays:

Why Not: If James Loney decides to re-sign with the Rays.

Why: Pretty every forgotten or lost player can go to Tampa and revitalize their career. Davis could be a big option for this team if they need some raw power.

Percent chance of ending up here: 75%

Texas Rangers:

Why Not: In the unlikely event that Rangers are happy with Mitch Moreland or a lack of a DH then wouldn’t be a good fit.

Why: The Rangers simply need one more lefty power bat to get them over the hump again. Is Davis going to land Jurickson Profar? No. He could included in a package for him, however. Davis has power that could fit in a place like Arlington and his defense could make him even better.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Why Not: If the Jays want to go all in next season without trading a big bat and only sign a big pitcher, he won’t fit in next year.

Why: If the Jays trade some of their bats this offseason then Davis could be in a trade to Toronto to boost the power lost.

Percent chance of ending up here: 50%

Washington Nationals:

Why Not: The Mets won’t want to trade Davis to an NL East team. Besides, Adam Laroche and Ryan Zimmerman are more likely to make up first base.

Why: Not really any reason he could be here next year.

Percent chance of ending up here: 0%

*****

Davis is a power bat that has been given up by the Mets and there is a big chance that he could be a throw-in for a trade where the club acquires a shortstop or an outfielder.

21 comments on “Where could Ike Davis land?

  • AntiAntiIntellectual1

    You do realize that you have a 491 percent chance that Ike lands somewhere, don’t you?

    • Julian

      The idea wasn’t to add up to 100%, but more to just say which team is more likely than the other.

  • David Groveman

    Your math… it does not come out to 100% but I get the point that 80% just means “More likely” not that 8 tenths of the time he will wind up in Colorado.

    Colorado: 80% – They won’t be trading the big names and are treating Dexter Fowler like a prized player. I don’t think the Mets will trade Davis to Colorado unless it is for prospects. David Dahl would be my goal.

    Milwaukee: 50% – Back when it seemed the Brewers might part with Aoki it seemed like the most likely landing place for Davis was Milwaukee. With Aoki off the table I’m less sure. I look at their prospects makes me confused. They have a powerful 1B in AAA.

    Seattle: 60% – Assuming Kendrys Morales and Michael Morse are gone… sure, but I would be highly skeptical. In the end we’d be getting ho-hum prospects.

    Tampa Bay: 75% – Yunel Escobar and prospects. Color me unexcited.

    Toronto: 50% – Yeah… not close to 50% likely. Think again.

    • Julian

      I can understand why you would be skeptical about Toronto and Tampa, but how is Aoki off the table? Also with Seattle, I agree it isn’t exactly a place we can get a lot in return. In reality, I think the idea of trading Davis is to just dump him somewhere with limited back.

      • David Groveman

        Report yesterday that Milwaukee didn’t want to trade Aoki

        • Julian McCarthy

          Didn’t see that, my bad.

  • pete

    I think Colorado would be a good fit for Davis as part of a package deal and playing in a hitters ballpark may rejuvenate his career. I’m sure Ike would be happy. It’s only an hour away from his home in Phoenix. Then again he might just wind up back here again next season.

    • Chris F

      Colorado is perfect. NY is not. I hope we are done seeing him stagger through another season of failure. He’s an anchor on the big club and a distraction parked in LV.

  • steevy

    Anywhere but back with the Mets.

  • Metsense

    A thorough look at the stuation and fine job. I think in this order Milw – Cleveland – Colorado – Pitts – Seatle have the greatest “need” for Davis. I would talk with these teams and take the best deal Sandy could find in either ML player or a prospect(s) or include Davis in a larger deal.
    Davis traded saves about $ 3.5 M in salary. He needs to be moved before Spring Traing.

  • Pres

    16 years old and writing on the internet? Are there any more openings?

  • Metsfan 62

    Just waiting for all the negative emarks for trading him later. Mets have a way of making great moves like trading Nolan Ryan, and Amos Otis….. need I say more. Good luck Ike i just know we will regret letting go of you. You never stood a chance here, since we never had a supportting cast around you. You were forced to try harder since after you we had a cast of clowns after you.

    • Name

      Another person blaming Ike’s troubles on the people around him…
      He failed on his accord. The Mets gave him every chance to succeed and he failed. He was the true clown, he made the Mets look like a joke with him in the 4-hole.

    • pete

      I can’t cover for Ike any more. Valley fever is an illness not a freak injury. But after 1 year 99.9% have fully recovered. Ike doesn’t see eye to eye with his current coaches. He’s an ASU grad who should understand how to play the game(not talking about baseball). Ike IS the supporting cast on the Mets. When you stop playing and give up mentally it’s time for a change of scenery. Suppose the team doesn’t trade him and he does his same disappearing act next April-May what value will he have then? The coaches and manager aren’t going anywhere for the next 2 seasons. Ike is making it very easy for SA to decide his fate. It’s frustrating because the talent is there. I just don’t think his heart is in it any more and he’s tuned out the coaches.

  • Metsfan 62

    Name…. Spoken like a true cynic. I can guess you never watched the likes of Marvelous Marv, Choo Choo Chacon. Choo Choo was so bad a hitter that several pitchers were hitting in front of him. Just look at how pitiful our 6-8 was. Look how pitiful a team we have over all. All the greats in the past have had someone good enough to force them to be pitched to. I don’t claim Ike to be one, but when you have a journeyman in the 4 hole, Ike in the 5 hole then what. NOTHING BUT 4 EASY OUTS. We have 1 1/3 innings of outs. As the 4 hole hitter he had a journeyman or quad A hitter behind him.

    • Name

      I can guess you aren’t in tune with the 21st century. The idea of “protection” has be debunked over and over again. Ike is so bad a hitter that we’d be better having a coat rack in his place. Just look at how pitiful his stats were. Look at how awesome a team was without him. All the greats were great because they had talent and didn’t have to rely on others. I don’t claim Ike to be one because he doesn’t give a crap about adjusting and changing, and when you have a stubborn no-talent player in the major leagues, and Terry Collins managing him then what. NOTHING BUT 4 FREE STRIKEOUTS FOR THE OPPOSING TEAM. David Wright has produced marvelously these past few years in spite of Davis “protecting” him.

      • pete

        I think we’ll get a better gauge is to what teams are actually looking for after the GM meetings as opposed to what some sports writers are speculating.

      • pete

        I have a question for you Name. Miguel Cabrera is a great hitter.Probably the best hitter in his generation. That being said it doesn’t hurt to have Prince Fielder(or Victor Martinez before Prince)batting behind you. If Detroit did not have a suitable clean up hitter you can sure that Miggy would have received over 200 walks this past season since there would be no reason for any opposing team to pitch to him(especially with the game on the line). I’m just saying his numbers would not be what they currently are.

        • Name

          Giancarlo Stanton 2013
          Paul Goldschmidt 2013
          David Wright 2012-2013
          Ryan Braun 12-13.

          Your own abilities are much more important than the name hitting behind you. I think you’re also overestimating the number of times that a player is hitting “with the game on the line”. Even if you assume an optimistic 10% of the PA’s that player is in is “with the game on the line” that is only 60-70 PA. The other 90% of the time you will be pitched normally.

  • pete

    Disagree. If there is only 1 consistent threat in a line up even with a 3-0 count you don’t have to groove a fastball over the plate. If Ike Davis is hitting behind David Wright in that situation it’s not catastrophic to walk Wright. The pitcher doesn’t need to give in. That’s one reason why I admire Wright and his understanding of the game and his capabilities.

  • Sean Flattery

    Ike has value. He’s been frustrating at times for Mets fans but its not like he’s 34. One year removed from a 32 HR season and last year’s second half plate discipline will spark interest somewhere

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