Can Matt Davidson (NC Dinos) also be responsible for the Dinos’ long hitting ability in the 2026 season?
Davidson, who was selected 35 times in the first round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2009 draft, was Utu Uta’s infield resource. Subsequently, he successively played for the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics and other teams. In a total of 306 games in Major League Baseball (MLB), he recorded 0.22054 home runs, 157 RBIs and an OPS (on-base rate + slugging rate) of 0.719.
Davidson, who hit a total of 224 pitches in the second-tier Major League Baseball in the United States, also made a name for himself in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Although his batting average in the 2023 season wearing a Hiroshima Funkauf uniform was stuck at 0.210, his 44 RBIs and 19 at-bats all went over the wall, proving his true slugging power.
Since then, Davidson has joined forces with NC to appear in the KBO League as the 2024 season approaches. Although it was somewhat difficult to adapt at the beginning of the season, he soon became proud as a center hitter. This is the result of continuous efforts such as learning from the scouting reports distributed by the team and also making his own scouting reports.
The final results were 131 games played, a batting average of 0.306 (504 effective at-bats, 154 hits), 46 home runs, 119 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.003. Davison now ranks second in RBIs and second in slugging percentage, becoming the NC team’s home run king for the first time in eight years after Eric Sams in the 2016 season.
This year has been somewhat up and down. Groaning due to injuries to waist and hamstrings, ribs, etc. Despite this, he hit .293 (386 effective at-bats, 113 hits), 36 home runs and an OPS of 0.965 in 112 games, proving that if he is “healthy”, his power is certain. Especially until the middle of the season, although there were evaluations that he was “weak in the scoring circle”, he still hit hard when there were runners in the middle and late stages, eliminating such worries. The NC team, led by Davidson, achieved a miraculous 9-game winning streak at the last moment and reached the top five.
Afterwards, Davidson renewed his contract with the NC team at the end of the season for a total of US$1.3 million (signing bonus of US$325,000, annual salary of US$975,000). Pay special attention to content. The “1+1” option contract originally signed after the 2024 season can receive up to US$1.7 million (guaranteed US$1.3 million, options of US$400,000). But because of the new contract, the $400,000 that was originally an option disappeared. This is Davidson’s care. In addition, he also showed his sincerity to the Dinosaurs by waiting because the NC team cannot make a signing decision easily.
At the time of the contract extension, Davidson said, “I am really excited to be back in Changwon again. This is already the third season, and the fans and the stadium are like home to me and my family. I am training hard for another successful season. Thorough preparations are being made to enable the Dinos to reach a higher position this season.”
He continued: “NC fans are like family to me. I really look forward to the day when we can meet again. I sincerely thank you all for always bringing energy to me and the team with your enthusiastic support. Whether it is home or away, everyone’s cheers give me a lot of strength. In the upcoming season, I will continue to do my best to repay the support of the fans with my best efforts.”
Davidson is considered a strong contender for the home run title in the 2026 season, along with Lewin Diaz (Samsung Lions) who has hit .314 (551 effective at-bats, 173 hits), 50 home runs, 158 RBIs, a 0.644 slugging percentage, and a 0.381 OPS 1.025 OPS this year. If Davidson regains the home run title, NC will likely be ranked higher.
Davidson said, “The goal next season is to continue to contribute to the team in both offense and defense. I want to contribute to NC’s long playoff (PS) journey. In order to achieve greater development in all aspects, I am also doing my best to train.” Can Davidson use his excellent long-hitting ability to lead the NC team to good results next year?
[MK体育记者 李汉柱]
