Miami Marlins outfielder Jonathan Davis' future uncertain, as the team makes a move

The Miami Marlins outfielder Jonathan Davis had a few big plays in his short lived time in the Marlins this year. The Marlins had the ability to keep Davis around as he won’t cost much but should they even bother? It appears they didn't need to look at the positive or negatives behind the decision as he has been outrighted, but fans might be upset. Lets see if there is a reason why they should have kept him, and why they let him go.

Plus side of keeping Jonathan Davis for fans

Jonathan Davis was a decent centerfield option and he had a penchant for the dramatic. Multiple times during his short stint before injury he had big moments. Whether he found the big moment or it just happened is besides the point, he made the plays many times when it counted. Davis hit .244 with 2 home runs and 10 RBI in 34 games. He was a serviceable center fielder for the time he was active. 

Down sides to the Davis experiment and why he was let go

Jonathan Davis is not a superstar and never would replace Jazz, and I don’t think anyone would expect that. Davis in fact isn’t even a major league starter, and likely not a bench player either. Davis doesn’t have any upside, he is an average player that doesn’t hit well and is a decent fielder. 

The Miami Marlins need to upgrade their outfield altogether, and that means Davis too. If the utility of Jesus Sanchez is in question, so too should Davis be in question. Sanchez has far more upside but as Neil wrote prior, he is not the answer. 

Davis would make a decent AAA player who is standing by in case of injury, I see that as his ceiling. Who knows what is next for the new Marlins GM but I can’t imagine Davis is in the cards. The Marlins will be in the market for sure for a starting outfielder, which means someone is out or more likely relegated to a backup role.  

The Miami Marlins just outrighted Jonathan Davis to AAA and off the 40 man roster, meaning he can become a free agent depending on if he accepts his assignment or not. This is not surprising as we have detailed above, but will Davis stay, I don't think he will. The Marlins could sign a half dozen more players like Davis, so this seems the end of his time.