Wade Davis, a right-handed pitcher known for his powerful fastball and sharp breaking pitches, began his Major League Baseball career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Rays in the third round of the 2004 MLB Draft, Davis worked his way through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut on September 6, 2009. Initially, he was utilized as a starting pitcher, showcasing his potential with a solid rookie season in 2010, where he posted a 4.07 ERA over 29 starts.
In 2011, Davis continued to serve as a starter for the Rays, but his performance was inconsistent, leading to a transition to the bullpen in 2012. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. As a reliever, Davis found his niche, displaying increased velocity and effectiveness. His time with the Rays concluded after the 2012 season when he was traded to the Kansas City Royals as part of a multi-player deal.
Joining the Royals marked a new chapter for Davis. Initially, he returned to a starting role in 2013, but struggled, prompting another shift to the bullpen in 2014. This change was transformative. Davis became one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball, playing a crucial role in the Royals' bullpen, which was instrumental in the team's success. During the 2014 season, he recorded a remarkable 1.00 ERA over 71 appearances, helping the Royals reach the World Series, where they ultimately fell to the San Francisco Giants.
The following year, Davis continued his dominance, posting a 0.94 ERA in 2015. His performance was vital in the Royals' postseason run, culminating in a World Series victory over the New York Mets. Davis was on the mound for the final out of the series, securing Kansas City's first championship in 30 years. His excellence on the field earned him his first All-Star selection in 2015, a recognition he would receive again in 2016 and 2017.
In December 2016, Davis was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he took over as the team's closer. During the 2017 season, he saved 32 games and was named an All-Star for the third consecutive year. His tenure with the Cubs was brief, as he entered free agency after the season and signed a three-year contract with the Colorado Rockies.
Davis's time with the Rockies was marked by ups and downs. In 2018, he led the National League with 43 saves, setting a franchise record for Colorado. However, his performance declined in 2019, as he struggled with control and consistency, leading to a demotion from the closer role. The 2020 season was similarly challenging, and the Rockies released him in September.
In 2021, Davis returned to the Kansas City Royals on a minor league deal, hoping to recapture some of his previous success. He made the team's Opening Day roster and served as a veteran presence in the bullpen. Although his performance was not at the level of his peak years, his return to Kansas City was a fitting conclusion to his career.
Wade Davis retired from professional baseball in November 2021.
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