RADIO
Wade Davis 2020 Outlook: Looking To Rebound From Brutal Season
5 years agoThe 2019 season was one to forget for Davis. Just one year removed from saving 43 games, he put up an unsightly 8.65 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP across 50 appearances. Davis started off 7 for 7 in save chances, albeit with some very shaky control, before hitting the IL with an oblique strain in late May. He was a disaster following his return in early June, and eventually lost the closer role in July. From July 16th through the end of the season, Davis walked as many batters as he struck out, and posted a 15.43 ERA in 19 outings. Manager Bud Black has already stated that he will be the closer in 2020, which has more to do with his contract than anything else. He is set to earn $17 million in 2020, with a $15 million team option for 2021. Davis has an NFBC ADP of 513, but that is going to rise now that he has been named the closer. He was consistently pumping 95-96 a few years ago, but his velocity has declined in each of the last four seasons, and was under 93 MPH in the second half of 2019. Even with a contract and closer experience working in his favor, Davis will need to dramatically improve his skills in order to hold on to the job.
