Baltimore Orioles Interested in Outfielder Rajai Davis
By Ben Palmer
The Baltimore Orioles have expressed interest in former Cleveland Indians outfielder Rajai Davis, as the team looks to add speed to their lineup
The Baltimore Orioles are interested in former Cleveland Indians outfielder Rajai Davis, per Eduardo A. Encina. Davis is 36 years old and has been in the league for 11 years, establishing himself as an excellent baserunner and fielder.
Last season, Davis batted .249/.306/.388 with 12 HRs, 74 R, 48 RBIs, and 43 SBs. His 43 stolen bases lead the American League last year, and he did that in only 495 plate appearances.
Davis has a good year for the Indians last season, and has established himself as one of the more consistently good outfielder in baseball (depending on your definition of good). His 12 home runs were a career high, not something he’s ever been known for, nor something that he’s likely to repeat.
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The main appeal of Davis is his speed and fielding. His 43 stolen bases more than doubled the number of stolen bases for the entire Baltimore Orioles roster last season.
Davis is capable of playing all three outfield spots and has had success in the past in platoons. His career against lefties has been solid, batting .288/.343/.437 against them in his career.
Likely, if the Orioles were to sign Davis, he would play in either left or right field. I could see him in a platoon with Hyun Soo Kim, as Kim is not particularly good against left-handed pitcher. Though personally, I’d like to see the Orioles give Kim a chance against lefties, I don’t think they’re especially interested in doing that.
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If there’s one thing the Orioles need, it’s speed. They stole 19 bases last season, the lowest for a team since the Detroit Tigers in 1972 who stole just 17 bases. Davis not only fills that need, but doesn’t hurt you at all in the field. Add in the fact that he’ll likely be inexpensive, and you have a very viable option in the outfield.