The New York Mets will not consider non-tendering first baseman Ike Davis this winter, writes Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. Rubin also notes that Davis could be in line for a pay cut via arbitration, something which is a rare occurrence in the baseball world.
Davis, who is making $3,125,000 this season, has struggled in 2013, hitting a paltry .205/.326/.334 with just 9 home runs in 103 games. Davis' disappointing season ended abruptly when he strained his right oblique in a game against the division rival Washington Nationals on August 31st.
The Mets deem Davis as expendable since they already have Lucas Duda occupying first base for the foreseeable future. Duda has been phenomenal this season, albeit in limited playing time. In 306 plate appearances, the 27 year old former outfielder has hit .242/.363/.441 with 12 home runs and a wRC+ of 129.
New York will most likely shop Davis this Winter, and there could be many potential suitors for a 26 year old former first round pick with immense power potential. Davis had a solid 2012 campaign, hitting 32 home runs, driving in 90 runs, and posting an OPS+ of 110. Any move to acquire Davis would come with considerable risk, but the reward could be an above average first baseman capable of hitting in the middle of the order.
