From the Field: Khris Davis, of, Oakland Athletics

This was signed in Spring Training.

Khris Davis was the 7th round pick of the Brewers out of Cal State Fullerton back in 2009. He was a decent prospect moving up through the Milwaukee system, rating their #29 prospect in 2011 and #16 prospect in 2012. He made the majors in 2013, and while he flashed plus power (averaging 20 HR a season) he also struck out a ton, driving down his average. His defense was just passable in the outfield.

The Brewers traded Davis to the Athletics in 2016 for catcher Jacob Nottingham and pitcher Bubba Derby.

Since then Davis has become one of the most fearsome power hitters in the game. While he still strikes out a ton he has taken his power production to the next level, hitting 42 HR in 2016 and 43 in 2017. This season–as of this writing–he leads the majors in HR with 39.

I know that he plays in Oakland, but its surprising to me that a power hitter like him has yet to see an All-Star game selection yet. Considering that the A’s are in surprise contention and he may very well end the season as the American League HR champion, I think it’s a safe bet that Davis will get that nod come 2019.