Davis ‘thankful’ for Mets opportunity
PORT ST. LUCIE — Rajai Davis is hardly complaining about the fact his only option this offseason was a minor league contract with the Mets.
“With my performance last season, just to receive an opportunity I am thankful,” the 38-year-old outfielder said Saturday.
His anemic .559 OPS with the Indians last season kept interest in him minimal, but Davis still stole 21 bases in 101 games and can play center field, which was reason enough for the Mets to give him an opportunity. Davis played for the Indians’ AL pennant-winning team in 2016 that had Mickey Callaway as the pitching coach. Davis said Callaway, now the Mets manager, was a driving force behind his invi
tation to spring training.
As part of his deal, Davis can optout at the end of spring training if he isn’t placed on the major league roster. Juan Lagares and Keon Broxton are other right-handed hitters who can play center field, but Broxton might have to earn his spot on the roster. Gregor Blanco is another veteran outfielder in camp on a minor league deal.
“With a big bat like [Yoenis] Cespedes out of the lineup and not knowing when he is going to come back and you have got some young guys, not really knowing their track record,” Davis said. “They have a lot of potential, a lot of talent but a lot of unknowns as far as track record in the big leagues and you just go from there. It’s a lot of opportunity and a great organization.”
T.J. Rivera, who played just six games in the minor leagues last season — he sustained a setback in his rehab from Tommy John surgery — will receive a look at third base, second base and first base this spring, according to Callaway. But in a crowded infield, the 30year-old Rivera might face long odds to break camp with the team.
“I am excited to get the opportunity to see him,” Callaway said. “He was on the verge of coming up to see us last year and then all of a sudden he has a setback and it’s been a long time since he’s been on the field competing and I know he’s excited to be out there.”
It’s expected Robinson Cano will work out with the Mets for the first time on Sunday. The official reporting date for position players is Monday.