Even Brodie Van Wagenen’s minor league signings carry brand identity.
OK, maybe Rajai Davis isn’t a household name along the lines of Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. Yet the veteran outfielder known for his speed and one very clutch hit will try to extend his impressive career with the Mets, who announced Monday they had extended the 38-year-old a non-roster invitation to major league camp.
Davis matches the profile of a Mets need — a righty hitter who can play center field — yet he lacks the recent track record to generate much hope of contributing. He played 47 games in center field, 30 in right field and two in left field for the Indians last season as he slashed .224/.278/.281 in 216 plate appearances. He stole 21 bases in 28 attempts, giving him a career total of 415 over 13 seasons, behind only Jose Reyes (517) and Ichiro Suzuki (509) among players who were active in 2018.
Davis might be remembered best for his eighth-inning, game-tying, three-run homer for the Indians off Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. The Cubs proceeded to win the game and end their 108-year slump without a title, but Davis’ unlikely heroics weren’t forgotten.