Two years ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected former Louisville catcher Henry Davis with the first pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. Now, Davis is headed to the Majors. So, what can baseball fans expect from the the 23-year-old sensation? Let’s take a look.

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A Look at Davis

Former Louisville star Henry Davis‘ rise as a premier prospect was something to behold. A New York high school prep product. Davis put up solid numbers — .280/.345/.386 with eight extra base hits in 45 games — in his freshman season at the University of Louisville, the same school that produced Dodgers backstop Will Smith, in 2019.

Davis got off to a hot start to his sophomore season, but had it cut short due to the COVID shutdowns. When college baseball returned in 2021, Davis skyrocketed up drafts boards after a campaign that saw him hit .370 with 15 home runs and 24 extra base hits. The ex-teammate of MLB pitchers Reid Detmers and Bobby Miller recorded a .483 OBP that season, as well.

Davis put up solid numbers in abbreviated time in 2021 and 2022. The New York native missed a good chunk to last season thanks to wrist issues, but put that behind him for what has been a impressive 2023 campaign.

Davis hit .284/.433/.542 with a 46:40 K:BB ratio, 11 home runs, and 23 extra base hits. The 23-year-old possesses impressive power and strength and a quick bat, tools that will serve him well in the Majors.

The 23-year-old Davis has also proven himself to be a threat on the basepaths. Davis swiped 19 bases in the Minors, nine of which came this season.

Defensively, Davis sported a caught stealing rate of 15% in the Minors. He does have a strong arm, but scouting reports from some have suggested may have to move off the position in the future (h/t MLB.com). In possible preparation for that, the 23-year-old’s seen time in right field in 2023.

The callup of Davis marks the second notable promotion of a highly-rated catching prospect in a week. Just a few days ago, the Guardians summoned Bo Naylor from the Minors after a strong overall start to his 2023 season.

What it Means for the Pirates and Fantasy Outlook

Much like with the Guardians and Mike Zunino, the Pirates simply were not getting much in the way of offensive production from Austin Hedges. While the 30-year-old Hedges is a strong receiver and defender behind the plate, his .473 OPS is second-worst among catchers — Austin Nola‘s .460 OPS ranks as the lowest — and fourth-worst among hitters (min. 125 PA).

Davis, on the other hand, looks like the total package. The 23-year-old has the potential to be a 15-20 home run hitter in the Majors with above-average fielding skills, and be the rock behind the plate for a young Pirates team. But as we mentioned previously, Davis’ questionable field tool and the presence of Endy Rodriguez in the Minors could mean that Davis may eventually move to the outfield at some point.

As far as Davis’ fantasy outlook is concerned, the former Louisville star likely won’t be the force behind the plate that Francisco Alvarez and Adley Rutschman have turned into at the Majors. However, Davis’ ability to get on base and pounce on pitches make him someone that fantasy players in need of catching help should consider.