Matt Davidson takes predictable step to Japan

Nippon Professional Baseball has been a place where fringe major league players have gone in an attempt to get their careers back on track. It was seemingly a matter of time before Matt Davidson took that step.

That moment has come. Davidson has reportedly signed with the Hiroshima Carp for the 2023 season, where he will be their new third baseman.

Matt Davidson looking to reset value with Hiroshima Carp

There was a time when Davidson appeared to be a future star. The 35th overall selection in the 2009 MLB Draft, he was a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was sent to the White Sox for Addison Reed as the Diamondbacks looked to solidify their bullpen.

Davidson finally got his chance to prove himself in the majors in 2017. While he did hit 26 homers in his 443 plate appearances, he also drew just 19 walks while striking out 165 times, his inability to make consistent contact hindering his effectiveness. He hit another 20 homers in 2018 and improved his plate discipline, but that marked the end of any extensive major league playing time.

However, Davidson continued to crush the ball in Triple-A. That was the case in 2022 as well, as he belted 32 homers in his 382 plate appearances in the Diamondbacks and A’s systems. Some of that power manifested in the majors as well as he hit a pair of homers in his 37 plate appearances.

At just 32 years old heading into the 2023 season, it is possible that Davidson can become a viable major league option. A strong showing in Japan, especially with better strikeout rates, could open doors for another major league opportunity. If nothing else, it is a way to potentially get a chance he may not have otherwise had.

Former Oakland A’s corner infielder Matt Davidson has signed with the Hiroshima Carp. It was a matter of time before Davidson tried his luck overseas.