Do you remember Eugenio Velez? You probably do not. Chris Davis, however, is now very aware of Velez’s existence.
Davis started his season in the worst possible way. He is hitless to this point in the year. Furthermore, he is now 0 for 49 at the plate going back to 2018. The same player that finished third in the 2013 AL MVP race seems to have forgotten how to bat. The former All-Star already surpassed Velez’s hitless streak (37 games) by a long shot.
His new infamous record has given the word slump a new meaning, both on and off the field. Here is why…
He Can’t Fly The Nest
Baltimore decided to tear the house down last year. Players left the city just as fast as Davis gets back to the dugout after failing to record a hit. Manny Machado, Kevin Gausman, Zack Britton, among others, found new teams elsewhere. The Texas native was the sole survivor of their former core. So why not let him go this year as well? Because there is a problem with that.
One Big Contract
The Orioles re-signed Davis to a seven-year deal worth $161 million. He is simply not worth it. Maybe his 2013 version was, but his most recent performances are not even worthy of a minor league deal.
Davis is untradable. No GM with a sound mind would take him. Not even as a batboy.
Stick With It
It is too late for Baltimore. They will not get a refund for their failed investment and they will not be able to trade their first baseman. Even if he breaks out of his slump, his average will be below the Mendoza line at best.
Yes Oriole fans, your infielder has turned himself into a calamity of a ballplayer. And you will have to stick with it. Sorry Oriole faithful.