Chicago White Sox: Matt Davidson and the future of third base

By Ian Blum | Jun 22, 2017

Jun 20, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Matt Davidson (24) celebrates his home run with shortstop Tim Anderson (7) in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago White Sox third baseman Matt Davidson has had a stunningly strong start to 2017. Do this make him the third baseman of the future?

On June 30th, 2016, Matt Davidson took the field in a Chicago White Sox uniform for the first time. In the 6-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins, Davidson picked up his first Sox hit, RBI and the foot injury that would end his season.

As spring training came to a close this season, the DH questions fans had were still unanswered. The two clear candidates for the job were Cody Asche and Matt Davidson. As things unfolded, the question of which player would win the everyday spot became clear, and nearly one year after Davidson sustained the injury that ended his season, he is leading the White Sox in home runs. Asche is spending a lot of time in Triple-A Charlotte.

In 188 at bats so far here in 2017, Davidson has posted a team-leading 16 home runs, 37 RBIs, and has batted .261. Needless to say, he is destroying the baseball, and it could not have come at a better time for the White Sox.

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When one takes the time to look at the third basemen in the White Sox system, it becomes apparent that Davidson has at least a short time future in Chicago. In Triple-A Charlotte, Nicky Delmonico is listed as a third baseman. Delmonico caught my eye in spring training and he has continued to produce so far in the regular season for the Knights.

He is batting .262 with 10 home runs and 117 total bases. While Danny Hayes does play first base it is worth taking a look at him as well considering most corner infielders can play both positions. Hayes has had a solid season batting .226 with 13 home runs and 101 total bases.

In Double-A Birmingham, Nick Basto is batting .241 with 10 home runs and 96 total bases. In High Single-A Winston-Salem, Brady Conlan has a .228 average with 2 home runs and 69 total bases.

When looking at those players and their numbers it seems as if the White Sox third baseman job is Davidson’s to lose. Of all the players mentioned Hayes is the oldest at 26, the same age as Davidson. Delmonico is 24 and could see time up in September. As for the rest of the players listed, if they do compete for the job, one can assume that it will be a few years down the line. Realistically they probably will not last that long anyway.

So the case in point here is that with Todd Frazier being scouted for potential trades in July, Davidson will soon have the third baseman job to himself. Jake Burger is a long way from the bigs and no prospect really stands out to take the spot anytime soon.

Next: White Sox should trade Avisail Garcia

Matt Davidson’s 2017 so far has been something special. If he keeps this up and more baseballs get crushed over the fence, then Chicago White Sox fans should expect to see Davidson at third base as this rebuild unfolds.

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