Cubs Rumors: Giants infielder JD Davis mentioned as a potential trade fit

One might think the San Francisco Giants' signing of Matt Chapman this weekend would put to rest any speculation over the Cubs' third base plans heading into the 2024 campaign. To me, it seems pretty clear it's Christopher Morel's job to lose this spring. So imagine my surprise when I saw Chicago mentioned as a speculative fit for another Giants infielder in JD Davis.

Now, again, this was purely speculation on the part of MLB Trade Rumors, who were recapping an array of San Francisco-related updates on the heels of the Chapman deal. But it's worth pointing out because, at least at a national level, the third base picture for the Cubs is one that requires attention.

A piece from NBC Sports Bay Area details the roster logjam and unclear route to regular playing time facing a guy like Davis now, while the MLBTR piece lists the Cubs, Mariners and Brewers as potential landing spots should Farhan Zaidi look to move Davis to free up dollars for a Blake Snell pursuit.

Davis, who turns 31 in April, is coming off a 103 OPS+ season a year ago, in which he hit 18 home runs and added 23 doubles in 144 games. He's got a 113 OPS+ for his career, split between the Giants and Mets, and is capable of handling both corner infield spots.

Cubs have enough corner infield options that a JD Davis pursuit doesn't make a ton of sense

Again, I think Morel has the inside track at third and Chicago still carries Nick Madrigal and Patrick Wisdom on the roster, both of whom can play third on a daily basis (although to what level, I'll leave up for discussion). At first, Michael Busch and Cody Bellinger seem likely to split at-bat, with the former getting a long look early in the year to be the team's go-to guy over there.

With the Cubs still sneaking in under the first CBT threshold, they might be able to add Davis' $6.9 salary without any real issue. But I suspect, barring a surprise move for someone like Jordan Montgomery, Jed Hoyer will want to maintain some financial flexibility for in-season additions - something the front office has done dating back to the Theo Epstein days.

In theory, Davis could fit and add a safety net at first and third, while adding a capable bat to the bench and DH rotation. But I think the Cubs value having that wiggle room too much to sacrifice it for a corner infield bat and the Giants will wind up having to look elsewhere if they want to unload him before Opening Day.