According to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, first baseman Ike Davis is expected to make a decision soon on where he will play in the upcoming 2016 season.
Ike Davis is expected to sign a minor-league contract shortly. The #Yankees are in the mix.
— Ken Davidoff (@KenDavidoff) February 10, 2016
Davis is likely to accept a minor league deal shortly and the Yankees appear to be in the mix for his services. Since Greg Bird was lost for the season with a shoulder injury, the Yankees could use more depth at the first base position. Mark Teixeira is clearly the starter, however, with his history of injuries and trips to the disabled list, it is smart of the Yankees to find a cost-effective backup option.
The former Met and Athletic hit .229/.301/.350 in 71 games for Oakland in 2015. The career .239 hitter has not lived up to expectations ever since he made his Major League debut for the Mets in 2010.
The 28-year-old would be a good fit for the Yankees. His left-handed swing would work well with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. It has been made public about how the Yankees have yet to sign a major league free agent this offseason and it appears they will continue to delve into the market for low-risk, high-reward type players on minor league contracts.
As of now, the Yankees will go into the season with Dustin Ackley as their backup first baseman. Ackley played a little first last season for the Yankees but is new to the position. Davis would provide insurance and steady glove if he signs with New York.
Brian Cashman has been great at finding depth players to produce for the Bombers and Davis might be another guy he brings on board with a shot at competing for a backup role.
