The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing a significant challenge with Henry Davis. Drafted as the first overall pick in 2021, Davis was expected to be a powerhouse hitter. But, has he lived up to the hype? Let's dive in.
Davis's potential was undeniable coming out of Louisville. His bat was his calling card, but there were questions about his ability to stay behind the plate.
Initially, Davis's performance mirrored these expectations. His hitting prowess propelled him to the major leagues, but his debut in 2023 saw him in right field, not as a catcher. This experiment proved unsuccessful, and his struggles at the plate were evident.
During his rookie season, Davis batted a mere .213 with a .653 OPS in 62 games. A significant 49 of those games were played in right field, with 11 as a designated hitter, and he only caught for two innings.
In 2024, Davis returned to the big leagues as a catcher, but his struggles persisted. He recorded minus-four defensive runs saved and was below average in pitch framing. Offensively, he hit .144 with a .453 OPS and just one home run in 122 plate appearances.
However, there's a glimmer of hope. In the 2025 season, Davis became a top-tier defender behind the plate. He had eight defensive runs saved in 83 games and a healthy 28.2% caught-stealing rate. His strong arm and quick pop time finally translated into tangible results.
In 87 games last season, Davis hit .167/.234/.278 with seven doubles, seven home runs, and 22 RBI. These numbers are a far cry from his final season at Louisville, where he hit 15 home runs, 45 RBIs, and had a .370 batting average.
While his defensive improvements are noteworthy, the power he displayed in college hasn't fully materialized. The Pirates drafted him four years ago, and consistency has been elusive. You draft players with the first overall pick hoping they become the face of the franchise. They should be players that you can build a team around, but Davis has been in and out of the lineup, often batting at the bottom.
It's rare to see an immediate impact like Paul Skenes, but you still want to see something. The potential in Henry Davis is high, and patience is needed. But, with the offense struggling last season, the Pirates need players to step up, and Davis is one of them.
But here's where it gets controversial... If Davis has another disappointing offensive season, the Pirates might need to consider if their former first-overall pick is a bust.
What do you think? Do you believe Davis will eventually reach his potential, or is it time to adjust expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**
