The Pittsburgh Pirates have slipped a bit since their impressive (and unexpected) start to the 2023 season.
However, it has been more of a slight decline than a complete collapse; an indication that this team is actually not that far off from competing.
At 38-42, they’re still in third place in their division, the NL Central, and 4.5 games out of first place.
One of the reasons they’ve been able to hold on has been receiver Henry Davis.
Davis, the first pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, made his debut a few weeks ago and has been a godsend for the Pirates.
In fact, it’s getting better and better with each game.
“Henry Davis is riding a seven-game hitting streak, including three straight multi-hit games! He @PiratesThe second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 30) is slashing .351/.415/.486 after a career-high three hits today,” MLB Pipeline tweeted.
Henry Davis is riding a seven-game hitting streak, including three straight multi-hit games!
He @PiratesThe second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 30) is slashing .351/.415/.486 after a career-high three hits today: pic.twitter.com/wXjiygDbdf
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 29, 2023
Three straight multi-hit games isn’t bad.
He has one home run on the season and a 4.9% walk rate and 24.4% strikeout rate.
Both could improve, but that will probably happen over time.
For now, it’s safe to say that Davis is one of the most dynamic players on the Pirates’ roster.
For the first time in what seems like forever, the Pirates are actually doing things to win now; like extending star player Bryan Reynolds and calling up Davis.
The best, however, is yet to come.
The organization has three impact players in the minors: one of them is still a long way off, Termarr Johnson, and two of them can contribute this season: Endy Rodríguez and Quinn Priester.
The youth movement is officially underway in Pittsburgh, and Davis is a big part of it.
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Pirates manager comments on Andrew McCutchen trade rumors
