Khris Davis and the A’s went to arbitration today. David won. He’ll make $5 million in 2017 rather than the $4.65 million salary suggested submitted by the Athletics.
Davis, who is 29, set career highs with 42 homers and 102 RBI in 2016. While his on-base percentage was a poor.306, counting stats have always carried more weight with arbitrators. Either way, he was still a valuable hitter, posting a slugging percentage of .524 and an OPS+ of 126.
It was Davis’ first year of arbitration eligibility. This will be a key year for him: another strong campaign will set him up for a long term deal, from the A’s or someone else. A poor one and he could be non-tendered next year due to the A’s not wanting to give him a raise over the $5 million he’ll make in 2017.
