The move figures to have an effect on Ike Davis's trade value.
Your move, Milwaukee Brewers. The Tampa Bay Rays have signed veteran first baseman James Loney to a three-year, $21 million deal, according to Ken Rosenthal. Somehow, Loney was seen as a significant free agent at the position despite a career .285/.340/.421 slash line and 105 wRC+.
With Loney off the market, Ike Davis's value to teams in need of a left-handed first baseman—the Brewers and perhaps the Pirates—should increase. Earlier today, Rosenthal reported that the Mets did, indeed, ask the Brewers for young pitcher Tyler Thornburg. Milwaukee balked at the price, though there's certainly a chance that could change now.
Even with a back-to-back years with a brutal first half, Davis's career at the plate has been better than Loney's. He's hit .242/.334/.434, but when adjusted for park and league, his 112 wRC+ is superior. And Loney's single-season best is 15 home runs, which was back in 2007.
