The Pittsburgh Pirates had planned to take their time with Henry Davis, the first overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft. However, his impressive hitting forced their hand, accelerating his journey to the big leagues.
Davis made his major league debut on Monday night against the Chicago Cubs, starting in right field and batting seventh. While the Pirates intend for him to be a catcher long-term, he's currently getting on-the-job training in right field at PNC Park, a challenging position to learn due to the unique dimensions of the stadium.
"I'm thrilled to contribute to the Pirates' success in any way I can, even if it's in right field," Davis commented before his debut, where he doubled in his first at-bat despite the Pirates' 8-0 loss, extending their losing streak to seven games.
Davis's promotion has been remarkably swift. He started 2023 in Double-A Altoona, moved up to Triple-A Indianapolis on June 4th, and just two weeks later, found himself in the majors. Originally slated to share catching duties with prospect Endy Rodriguez at Triple-A, the Pirates decided to utilize Davis's bat in the outfield, where he hit .286 with three doubles, a home run, and three RBIs in just 10 games.
Davis suspected a call-up was imminent when he was benched on Sunday. Indianapolis manager Miguel Perez confirmed his suspicions with a note hidden in his office refrigerator, revealing the exciting news. A whirlwind 24 hours later, Davis stepped onto PNC Park as a major leaguer.
Davis expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to contribute, regardless of the level. His self-assurance is a welcome addition to a Pirates team experiencing a volatile season. After a hot start, a disappointing May, and a brief surge to first place in the NL Central, the Pirates recently endured a winless six-game road trip, dropping them to fourth in the division.
General Manager Ben Cherington views Davis as a cornerstone of the team's future. His arrival signifies the beginning of a wave of young talent expected to reach the majors in the coming years. Manager Derek Shelton echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the progress of Cherington's rebuilding plan.
Hailing from Westchester County, New York, Davis honed his skills at Louisville before being drafted first overall in 2021. His rapid progression through the minor leagues, including 24 home runs in just 421 at-bats, convinced the Pirates he was ready for the big leagues. While his catching skills are still developing, he'll be mentored by veterans Jason Delay and Austin Hedges, focusing on video analysis, bullpen sessions, and catcher meetings.
The Pirates are eager to see what Davis can do at the plate, given their struggles with run production and home runs. They're confident his catching abilities will improve over time, but his offensive potential is too valuable to delay his major league debut. Pitcher Mitch Keller praised Davis's talent and demeanor, emphasizing his exceptional baseball skills.
