2023 Marlins Season Review: Jonathan Davis

Relive all of the ups and downs of the 2023 Miami Marlins with our Fish On First Season Review, containing detailed articles about a wide variety of players. The FOF staff analyzes the individual impact that each of them had and what it means for their future with the organization.

This installment focuses on outfielder Jonathan Davis.

2023 Timeline

• January 30—signed minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers
• May 22—traded by Tigers to Marlins for OF Brady Allen
• May 23—made Marlins debut
• July 4—suffered season-ending right knee injury
• July 6—underwent successful meniscus surgery
• July 10—transferred to 60-day IL
• October 31—activated from 60-day IL and outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville

Season Stats: 34 G, 104 PA, .244/.307/.378, 85 OPS+, 0.0 bWAR

Days after starting center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. suffered a turf toe injury, the Marlins sent former fifth-round draft pick Brady Allen to the Tigers in exchange for Jonathan Davis, who had been playing for Detroit's Triple-A affiliate. This midseason trade for a little-known, 31-year-old outfielder turned out to be a needed spark for the Fish.

In his first seven games as a Marlin, Davis was more impactful than the team could've imagined as he posted a slash line of .333/.407/.543 while his defense was serviceable in his brief time manning center. He started 11 of the team's next 13 games overall. He even earned the opportunity to start back-to-back games in the leadoff spot against the Los Angeles Angels (May 27-28).

This hot streak of course was not sustainable for a full season and Davis came back to Earth with his bat in June, settling into the role of the Marlins' fourth outfielder during that span. He also became a fan favorite with an enthusiastic smile and his willingness to help the team in any way. Even when Chisholm returned from the IL, Davis' spot on the roster was safe.

In games where the Marlins put Davis in their starting lineup, the team's record was a remarkable 20-7. During his sixth MLB season, he set new career highs in plate appearances and at-bats.

Sadly for Davis, his season was cut short after attempting to make a diving play at LoanDepot Park on July 4. He needed to be carted off the field and underwent meniscus surgery two days later. While rehabbing, he continued to be a positive presence in the Marlins clubhouse during the second half and he had begun a running progression shortly before the season ended.

Highlights

Future with Marlins

Davis is used to the journeyman lifestyle, having been with five different organizations over the last three years. In 2024, he would have been eligible for arbitration for the first time. However, the Marlins decided that he wasn't worth the pay raise. They outrighted him to the minors on Tuesday and he now has the right to elect free agency.

Davis should be receiving plenty of offers to sign minor league deals that include invites to spring training. Hopefully, the Marlins will be at the front of the line and give him the opportunity to compete for the job he had before his injury.

Photo by Danis Sosa/Fish On First