Jonathan Davis re-signs with Marlins on minor league deal

A valuable role player for the 2023 Miami Marlins, outfielder Jonathan Davis announced on Monday via Instagram that he has re-upped with the organization for another season. Davis' minor league deal includes an invite to spring training.

Davis began 2023 in the Detroit Tigers organization. Desperate for center field depth, the Marlins traded for him on May 22. In 34 games, he slashed .244/.307/.378 with a 85 wRC+ (far better than his career norms), and Miami had a dominant 25-9 record in those appearances.

On July 4, Davis suffered a meniscus injury that required season-ending surgery. He has since fully recovered.

Davis was on track to be arbitration-eligible for the first time in 2024. Rather than commit to his projected pay raise and guarantee him a roster spot, the Marlins outrighted him to the minors and he elected free agency. They never really replaced him—trade acquisition Vidal Bruján is another speedster who can contribute in center field, but he's primarily an infielder and has no track record of producing against big league pitching.

Re-signing Davis while maintaining roster flexibility is a clear win. Given the extensive injury history of starting center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Marlins needed insurance like this.

Davis will have an opportunity to earn an Opening Day job, something he's only done once before in his MLB career (2021).

Photo by Danis Sosa/Fish On First