Can Matt Davidson (NC Dinos) become the protagonist of the “Golden Glove” in the first baseman department?
Davidson joins forces with NC and is an infield resource for Utu-Uta as the season approaches. He hit a total of 54 balls in Major League Baseball (MLB) and hit 226 home runs in the minor leagues. His advantage is his long-hitting ability. While wearing the uniform of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Hiroshima Funkafu in the 2023 season, although his batting average was only 0.210, he hit 19 home runs and 44 RBIs, showing his natural power.
Davidson was also very active in the KBO league. Although it was somewhat difficult to adapt at the beginning of the season, he soon showed a strong presence as a center hitter. Not only did I study through the selection reports released by the team, but I also made my own selection reports, etc., which is the result of continuous efforts.
In this way, Davidson recorded a batting average of 0.306 (504 effective at-bats, 154 hits), 46 home runs, 119 RBIs, and a slugging rate of 0.633 OPS (on-base rate + slugging rate) in 131 games this year. 1.003 records. This season, he ranked first in home runs, second in RBIs, and second in slugging percentage, becoming NC’s home run champion for the first time in eight years since Eric Sommers in the 2016 season. Not only that, he also showed perseverance and explosiveness by hitting consecutive hits in 22 games, setting a new record for the most consecutive hits among NC teams and a new record for consecutive hits among foreign players in the KBO League.
In response, NC successfully retained Davidson on a multi-year contract on the 28th of last month. Specifically, it is a 2-year (1+1) contract, with the conditions being that the total amount in 2025 is US$1.5 million (guaranteed US$1.2 million, options of US$300,000), and the total amount in 2026 is US$1.7 million (guaranteed of US$1.3 million, options of US$400,000). At the end of the 2025 season, the club has a team option to renew the contract.
It can be said that this is a contract that everyone is satisfied with. First, from NC’s standpoint, a proven Davidson is available for up to 2 years at an appropriate price. At the same time, it is actually difficult for Davidson to travel to the United States and Japan. As long as he continues to be active, his total income will reach US$3.2 million.
NC team leader Lim Sun-nam said, “As the center hitter of the team, Davidson is the player who has crossed the Changwon NC Park wall the most. He is the KBO League home run champion in the 2024 season and is a game changer who has proven himself everything on the field. “He has also shown his captaincy in leading foreign players off the court.” “Davidson, who has fully adapted to the league, will perform even more in the center batting lineup next year.”
Davidson said, “I am very happy to continue to be with the NC team. I am very happy to be able to see Changwon fans again. I will prepare well during the offseason and try to join the spring training.” “I will challenge this team again.” The 50 home runs that have not been achieved in the season. I am looking forward to meeting the new director and I will help director Lee Ho-joon achieve good results. “
Davidson has already shown such a huge presence, so whether he can naturally wear the Golden Glove as a first baseman is also attracting attention. But competitors are not simple. Austin Dean (LG Twins), Yang Seok-hwan (Doosan Bears), Na Seung-yeop (Lotte Giants), Choi Joo-hwan (Kiwoom Heroes), etc. were selected on the candidate list, and among them, Austin is still the most difficult to deal with.
In 139 games last year, he achieved a batting average of 0.313 (520 effective at-bats, 163 hits), 23 home runs, 95 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.893. He became the first LG team to win the first baseman gold medal. The foreign players in the Glove Award also showed outstanding performance this year. He participated in 140 games and achieved a batting average of 0.319 (527 effective at-bats, 168 hits), 32 home runs, and 132 RBIs. He not only ranks first in RBIs, but is also the first LG hitter to hit 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a single season. In addition, Austin broke the LG team’s single-season record for most RBIs held by Chae Eun-sung (currently the Hanwha Eagles) in 2018 and Kim Hyun-soo (119 RBIs above) in 2020.
Although Davidson also holds the title of “Home Run King”, there have been several instances where the previous home run kings did not win the Gold Glove, so he should not take it lightly. First, Tyron Woods, who hit 42 home runs while wearing an OB jersey in 1998, lost to current Doosan head coach Lee Seung-yeop (then Samsung Lions). In 2004, Park 완wan, who played for SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers), kicked 40 balls over the fence and gave up the Golden Glove to Hong Sung-shin (then Doosan). In 2015, he hit 53 home runs with the Heroes. Park Byung-ho (now Samsung) also failed to surpass Sams. With competition fiercer than ever, can Davidson, who is active in 2024, win the Gold Glove?
In addition, the Golden Glove winners for each position, including first baseman, will be revealed at the Golden Glove Awards Ceremony held at the Korea Trade Center Auditorium in Samseong-dong, Seoul on the 13th.
[MK体育记者 李韩周]
