Top-Selection in the 2021 MLB Draft looks to continue to build his path to the Major League level.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted early in many drafts as of recently. Struggling to find the stairs from the basement of the NL Central has been an issue for the organization since 2018. 2020 was no different for the franchise and for that they were awarded the first overall selection in the 2021 MLB Draft. With that selection, Bucco Nation selected Henry Davis, catcher from the University of Louisville.
Henry Davis left U of L with a fantastic 2021 season. In 50 Games, Davis recorded a .370 BA with 15 Homeruns and 48 RBI’s. Good enough for 2nd on the team. Unfortunately, the season did not end as Louisville hoped. Due to many injuries on the Cardinals squad, the team missed a bid to the college world series.
Davis was successful in 2021 during his short debut in the Pirates minor league system. In his 8 games played between Rookie ball and High-A Greensboro he recorded 8 hits in 31 plate appearances. Davis also hit 3 homeruns and recorded 7 RBI’s. His stint was shortened due to a right oblique strain towards the end of the year. The timing of the injury ultimately caused him to miss the remainder of the season.
Review The Tools
There are many things to like about Henry Davis’s game and what he brings to the Pirates Organization. Davis brings a strong hit tool and plus power. His bat is his greatest asset, something that is not always common among the catching position.
It is safe to say that the Pirates Front Office believe that he can be the staple of there defensive unit for years to come and help command its pitching staff. 2022 is a prime year for Davis to focus on improving his defense behind the plate. Although he only appeared in a short number of games this season, his leadership abilities and his skills shined through and were noticed by the organization.
“He came to Pirates City ready to go from a playing standpoint. We weren’t surprised by that, but he was pretty much in game shape and ready to compete from game one. That allowed him to get into games pretty quickly there.”
Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington.
2022 Season Outlook
Henry Davis has a ceiling for generational talent that the Pirates organization desperately needs. Although he is at least a few years from making the show, the future looks bright for the Boys in Black and Yellow who are looking for there first postseason appearance since 2015.
If Davis preforms well in Greensboro, it’s likely he could move to Double-A Altoona in mid-2022.
However, if everything goes as expected and Davis starts the season where he left off in Grasshoppers, he will begin the year against The Rome Braves (The Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves Organization) on April 8th in Greensboro.
Find More at SlasherSports
Follow us on Twitter for all your latest up to date sporting news.
