Just this morning, Orioles longtime veteran Chris Davis is stepping away from Major League Baseball. He stated the Orioles this morning, stating, “After an extended time dealing with my injury and recent hip surgery, I informed the Orioles about my decision to retire effective today. I want to thank the Orioles partnership group, led by the Angelos family, the Orioles organization, my teammates and coaches, the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital with whom I will continue to be involved following my retirement, and, of course, Birdland. Thank you for all the many memories I will cherish forever.” After 13 years at the big league level, Davis is ready for the next chapter of his life.
Davis last played briefly during the 2020 Major League season, but his hip has been an issue for a long time now. His last full season came back in 2018, where the slugger only managed a .168 batting average, 16 home runs, and 49 RBI’s. Unfortunately, his contract extension was one not to pan out well, only managing to play in 534 games from 2016-2020. The Orioles moved away from Davis, who is sidelined all year.
Davis’ best year with the O’s came back in 2013. Making his first all-star appearance, he blasted 53 home runs for the season, 138 RBI’s. He also was honored with a silver-slugger award. Davis went onto bat .286 that year, but still struck out 199 times. Davis had multiple MVP seasons, also dating to 2015, leading the league with 47 home runs. Unfortunately for Davis, he also went onto have stats comparable to Reggie Jackson, where he also led the league in strikeouts, striking out 208 times.
With his playing days over, Davis is still owed $23 million for the 2022 season. Even though he will be retired, Davis will still be getting paid. There could be a potential re-construction to his contract, due to him not being an active player. The slugger finished his career with 295 career home runs.
Davis only played for two teams in 13 big league seasons. Starting his career for the Texas Rangers in 2008, Davis displayed that he was able to contribute to big-league offenses, hitting an average of 17-20 home runs. Injuries have haunted him throughout his career, but he will be best remembered for being a breakout superstar in the early 2010s. He also was a key contributor for Baltimore during their playoff runs back in 2012 and 2016.
Formerly nicknamed as “Crush” Davis, Davis will be missed for the Orioles organization. Baltimore looking to buckle up for a bright future. With Davis being the previous face of the Orioles, it looks like they won’t be planning to hand out any contract extensions for a few years to come. Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman is geared up to be the new primary face of the organization. But it will take some time before the Orioles decide to extend him, or long-time Oriole Trey Mancini. After the retirement of Chris Davis, who could be the next face of the franchise in Maryland?