The Los Angeles Dodgers have made some notable additions to their minor league system by signing infielder Brendon Davis and catcher Chris Okey to contracts, as confirmed by transaction logs and their MLB.com profiles. While it remains uncertain whether either player will receive an invitation to participate in MLB Spring Training next month, their signings provide the Dodgers with valuable organizational depth.
For Brendon Davis, 26, this signing marks a homecoming of sorts as he returns to the Dodgers organization where he was originally drafted in the fifth round in 2015. However, he was later traded to the Texas Rangers in 2017 as part of a deal for pitcher Yu Darvish. After a brief stint with the Rangers, Davis was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the Rule 5 draft. In 2021, he had an impressive season across three levels, including Triple-A, batting.290 with a.561 slugging percentage. However, his numbers dipped in 2022, hitting.235/.340/.424 mostly with the Detroit Tigers, with a brief call-up to the majors where he struggled. Davis was released by the Tigers in June 2023 and now rejoins the Dodgers, bringing his versatility to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield, particularly on the left side of the infield.
Chris Okey, a 29-year-old catcher, was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round in 2016. He steadily progressed through the minor leagues, reaching Triple-A in 2019. However, due to the cancellation of the minor league season in 2020, Okey had to wait until 2021 to continue his development. That year, he posted a.237 batting average and a.379 slugging percentage. Okey made his major league debut in June 2022, but was designated for assignment after just seven games and spent the remainder of the season back in Triple-A. He joined the Angels on a minor league contract but had limited opportunities at the major league level. In Triple-A last year, Okey showcased his skills with a.281 batting average and a.414 slugging percentage. Now, he will serve as a backup catcher option for the Dodgers, behind Will Smith and Austin Barnes.
The acquisitions of Brendon Davis and Chris Okey bolster the Dodgers’ minor league system by providing depth in both the infield and catching positions. These signings offer insurance against potential injuries to the current roster and allow the team to avoid rushing their young prospects to the major leagues. The Dodgers continue to prioritize building a strong and versatile organization that can sustain success both now and in the future.