Davis made his major league debut on September 6, 2009, against the Detroit Tigers. He earned a no-decision after pitching seven innings, allowing one run, with nine strikeouts.
2010
Davis was the July 2010 AL Rookie Pitcher of the Month, after posting a 4–0 record with a 3.03 ERA in five starts.[5]
Davis spent most of 2013 in the Royals' rotation and compiled a 6–10 record through the end of August. He moved to the bullpen for September 2013 and remained in the bullpen through 2014.
2014
In 2014, Davis posted one of the most dominant seasons ever by a reliever. From June 25 to September 16, Davis did not give up an earned run. On September 15, his ERA was an astonishing 0.69. On September 22, 2014, Davis struck out Yan Gomes for his 104th strikeout of the season, breaking the Royals record for most strikeouts by a relief pitcher, which was 103 and had been shared by Jim York (1971) and Greg Holland (2013). Davis finished the regular season with a 9–2 record, posting a 1.00 ERA. He struck out 109 batters and walked 23. He did not give up a home run in 2014. This dominance continued through the postseason, with Davis posting a 2–0 record and an ERA of 0.63. He struck out 20 batters and walked only 2.
2015
In 2015, Davis continued his dominance in the bullpen, pitching almost exclusively in the 8th inning, much like 2014. On June 28, Davis' homerless streak almost ended, giving up a double off the top of the wall at O.co Coliseum to Marcus Semien. On August 1, Davis' homerless streak ended at 125.2 innings, giving up a home run to the Blue Jays'José Bautista. His streak was the second longest in Royals history, and the longest such streak by a reliever.[10] On September 22, Davis was selected by manager Ned Yost as the Royals' new closer, as the Royals announced that Greg Holland was done for the year and possibly all of 2016 due to pending Tommy John surgery.[11] On October 23, Davis forced Blue Jays slugger and 2015 American League MVP candidate Josh Donaldson to ground out to Mike Moustakas at third base, which was the final out to secure the Royals' second consecutive American League Championship Series title.[12] Davis later recorded the final three outs of the 2015 World Series, as the Royals defeated the New York Mets in five games.
In the 2015 MLB postseason, Davis went 1-0 and earned four saves in four opportunities. He struck out 18 batters while allowing no earned runs over 10+2⁄3 innings pitched. This performance earned him the 2015 Babe Ruth Award, recognizing Davis as the most valuable player in the MLB postseason.
2016
On July 5, Davis was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a right forearm strain.[13] On November 4, 2016, the Royals picked up Davis's option for the 2017 season.[14]
Davis signed a three-year, $52 million contract with the Colorado Rockies on December 29, 2017.[18]
2018
In his first season in Colorado, Davis led the NL in saves with 43. He ended the season with a 4.13 ERA, his highest ERA since 2013. He struck out 78 batters in 65+1⁄3 innings.
2019
He was placed on the disabled list on May 22, 2019, with a left oblique injury.[19] He was removed from the closer role on August 2. At the end of the season, Davis put out the worst season of his career, posting a 8.65 ERA in 50 games. In 42+1⁄3 innings, he struck out 42 batters while inducing 29 walks.
On December 21, 2019, he was named as one of the two closers for All-Decade second team of 2010's with Kenley Jansen.[20]
2020
Davis began the shortened season as the Rockies closer but after blowing saves within a week he was removed from the role. On September 19, 2020, Davis was designated for assignment by the Rockies. He had allowed 10 runs in under 5 innings.[21] Davis was released by the Rockies on September 21.[22]
Kansas City Royals (second stint)
On January 20, 2021, Davis signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals organization.[23] On March 28, 2021, Davis was selected to the 40-man roster.[24]
Davis pitched in 40 games for the Royals in 2021, going 0–3 with a 6.75 ERA and 38 strikeouts. He became a free agent following the season.
On November 24, 2021, Davis announced his retirement.[25]
Pitch selection
As a starter, Davis threw five pitches (four-seam fastball, cut fastball, curveball, slider and changeup). As a relief pitcher, he has relied primarily on three pitches: a four-seam fastball in the 95–98 MPH range (topping out at 99 MPH), a cut fastball that averages 92–93 MPH, and a knuckle curve in the mid-80s that he started throwing in 2013.[26]
Personal life
Davis is the second-cousin of former Major League Baseball player Jody Davis.[27]
Wade Davis married long-time girlfriend, Katelyn Casey, in November 2009 in her hometown of Marlboro, New York. The couple has two children and three dogs.
The couple run a non-profit organization called "Full Kount", which benefits children age 18 and younger who use sports as a positive influence in their lives.