Former first-rounder looking to claim super-utility role with A's

LAS VEGAS -- Based on the expected trajectory that typically accompanies a first-round pick, Logan Davidson should have already reached the Majors as part of this exciting young core that is forming with the Athletics.

The son of former big league outfielder Mark Davidson, Logan was the 29th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the A¡¯s. Early comparisons within the club¡¯s scouting department to superstar shortstop Corey Seager at the time he was drafted only heightened the anticipation for a quick rise through the system.

Nearly six years later, several A¡¯s top prospects such as Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler, Zack Gelof, Tyler Soderstrom, Mason Miller and Shea Langeliers have graduated to the highest level. All of those players have been Minor League teammates of Davidson, who at age 27 is going through his fourth big league Spring Training with the A¡¯s as a non-roster invitee, still hoping to fully break through after seemingly being perpetually stuck on the cusp of a callup for a few years now.

¡°At this point, I¡¯m on the older side in [big league] camp,¡± Davidson said. ¡°I¡¯ve been here and done that. ¡­ Getting the opportunity is step one. You can¡¯t do much without the opportunity.¡±

The start to Davidson¡¯s professional career was not ideal. What should have been his first full season in 2020 was eliminated for all Minor Leaguers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once Minor League action resumed in 2021, Davidson jumped from Class A Short-Season Vermont, where he played 54 games in 2019, to Double-A Midland.

Admittedly overmatched by Texas League pitching, Davidson hit just .212 with a .620 OPS and struck out 155 times in 119 games for the Rockhounds, which put a damper on a year which began with him rated as the A¡¯s No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline.

¡°The transition was definitely a little different,¡± Davidson said. ¡°I was coming off a COVID year where you don¡¯t play all year and then I went straight to Double-A and just kind of got it handed to me, so to speak.¡±

Sent to the Arizona Fall League for extra work to end that 2021 campaign, Davidson finished on a high note by earning a selection to the league¡¯s Fall Stars Game. After repeating Double-A Midland with a better showing in ¡¯22, Davidson was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas midway through the ¡¯23 season.

At this point, the A¡¯s began exploring Davidson¡¯s versatility. After primarily playing on the left side of the infield through his first few seasons, he was now getting time at all four infield spots. In 2024, his positional flexibility expanded, getting reps at every position outside of pitcher and catcher with Las Vegas.

¡°I played literally everywhere last year,¡± Davidson said. ¡°There¡¯s definitely an opportunity cost with playing all seven positions. You don¡¯t get to be a specialist in one area, which I think I could be if I was ever to come into that role. But I think being a good defensive player at all seven positions and being able to hit from both sides of the plate is a huge benefit.¡±

Now a true super-utility player and switch-hitter, Davidson has positioned himself well for that long-awaited Major League opportunity. Coming off a year in which he hit .300 with a .901 OPS, 14 homers and 23 doubles in 87 games at Triple-A, Davidson has impressed in Cactus League action by hitting .318 (7-for-22) through 12 spring games.

Last year was a big improvement for him offensively,¡± manager Mark Kotsay said of Davidson. ¡°From a power perspective, his exit velocities have increased quite a bit. The versatility is something that Logan now has that we¡¯re going to watch this season. That gives him an opportunity to get to the big leagues.

¡°This is a big camp for Logan to leave that impression, and we¡¯re giving him every opportunity to do that.¡±

It is unlikely that Davidson breaks camp with the A¡¯s, but it is clear that he is on the Major League radar in the eyes of the front office of an organization that traditionally has valued super-utility players in the past such as Chad Pinder and Ben Zobrist.

For Davidson, patience will be a virtue, something he¡¯s learned in his five seasons and 483 games played in the Minors.

¡°It has been a longer road than it probably is for most first-rounders,¡± Davidson said. ¡°But everyone¡¯s timing is different. You can¡¯t decide or control those things. ¡­ I¡¯ve put up some pretty good numbers. I hit both sides of the plate and can play seven positions now. I think I¡¯ve put myself in a good position to get my opportunity in the big leagues this year and help us win games.¡±