Matt Davidson seemed like a pretty cool dude. Hawk definitely loved him, but the third baseman, turned into first baseman, turned into DH never lived up to any expectations placed on him with the White Sox. He was non-tendered in November and despite a much better 2018 the White Sox decided to move on and it made Davidson a free agent. On Friday, he signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers, who are also giving him a chance to pitch.
Infielder Matt Davidson is in agreement on a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, league sources tell ESPN. Davidson will be used as an infield and could pitch as well, giving the Rangers their own two-way possibility.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 1, 2019
It’s only fitting that Davidson signed with the Rangers, who happened to be the team he made his pitching debut against in 2018. As a matter of fact, it was the first time Davidson ever pitched in a game at any level.
And the results? Low 90s fastball, with a hammer!
Matt Davidson Pitched In His First Pro Game And It Was Pretty Amazing
Matt Davidson for Cy Young! #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/0GvlYVEDRc
— Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast (@PinwheelsIvyPod) June 30, 2018
Matt Davidson, Filthy 79mph Slider….and then reminding himself to slow strut off the field… 😂 pic.twitter.com/ZKg7XrNQgB
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 30, 2018
Davidson pitched three innings for the White Sox last season, didn’t give up a run, struck out two and only allowed one hit and a walk. Ultimately, the White Sox didn’t think he was worth a guaranteed salary for 2019, as the team is amping up their rebuild by going after Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in free agency.
But hey, there’s really no ill will toward the Rangers from White Sox fans, so it’s an interesting storyline to keep an eye on in 2019, if Davidson really can split time as a position player and pitcher.
We know Hawk is going to be rooting for him.
