Henry Davis DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis is projected to be the team's No. 2 backstop on the Opening Day roster. Davis is a former top prospect but has yet to take the next step in the major leagues. He was selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2023 and held a modest .214/.302/.351 line across 62 games. Then, in 2024, Davis appeared in just 37 games in Pittsburgh and had a lower .144/.242/.212 slash line. However, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com noted that given Davis' strong play in spring training, he has put himself above Endy Rodriguez and Jason Delay. During camp, Davis has held a strong .286/.348/.524 slash line with two doubles and one home run. The Louisville product has also seen time in the outfield which will provide the team with additional defensive flexibility. Fantasy managers in deeper two-catcher formats should monitor Davis' progression as he could be worth a late-round flier if he continues to produce in spring training.

According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pirates catcher Henry Davis (hand) was seen taking live batting practice on Thursday. The 25-year-old finished the 2024 season on the injured list with left hand inflation. However, seeing him take live BP just two days into camp is a great sign and suggests he should be a full-go for spring training. After posting a modest .213/.302/.351 line during his rookie campaign in 2023, Davis took another step back in 2024 as he posted a lower .144/.242/.212 slash line across 37 games. He tallied just four doubles and one home run. While he showed a strong eye at the plate with a 10.7 percent walk rate, he generated a weak .156 xBA. Given his struggles in the MLB, Davis will likely be competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training alongside Endy Rodriguez.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis (concussion) has been activated off the 7-day concussion injured list on Sunday. The Pirates have optioned him back to Triple-A Indianapolis where he will continue his rehab assignment. The assumption is that the former first-round pick will be back in Pittsburgh at some point this season. Davis was struggling before the injury, so fantasy managers in redraft leagues don't have much incentive to hold him right now.