Just when we thought we had an idea of what was going to happen, the Pittsburgh Pirates have shocked everyone.
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, the Pirates have selected catcher Henry Davis.
Folks, this changes everything for the Detroit Tigers! What do you think they will do with the No. 3 overall pick?
Wow. Clearly this is an underslot deal https://t.co/yI9FFWht0W
— TigsTown (@TigsTown) July 11, 2021
Scouting Report (Via Sports Illustrated)
Top 500 Prospect Rankings:
MLB.com: No. 5
Baseball America: No. 4
Strengths
- His arm is without a doubt his best attribute, carrying both accuracy and strength. He threw out 46% of potential base stealers in 2021, and 34% over the course of his collegiate career.
- Is an above-average pitch framer, with his best work in this category coming during his freshman year.
- Has a very good approach at the plate. He can both recognize pitches and consistently make good contact, leading to him walking (52) more times than striking out (46) in his collegiate career.
- Can hit for both contact and power. Not only did he have a 23-game hitting streak (second-longest in program history), but his 14 homers in 2021 was a career-high.
- Quick on his feet for a catcher, stealing 10 bases on 13 attempts in 2021.
Weaknesses
- While he his a defensive-minded catcher, his blocking and receiving could use some work. He did well enough to stay at catcher throughout his Louisville career, but it’s not inconceivable that he could move to another position at the next level.
- Both his stance and his swing are a tad unorthodox. The stance goes from crouched and open to almost closed feet in his load, and his swing has a tendency to lengthen out a touch.
- He is mainly a pull hitter, but it doesn’t warrant too much a defensive shift more often than not.
