How close are we to Pirates catcher Henry Davis being declared a bust?
The 2021 overall #1 draft pick was optioned to Triple-A over the weekend and won’t begin the season on the 26-man, MLB roster.
The Pirates will go with Joey Bart and backup Endy Rodriguez at catcher.
But, Rodriguez will also get a chance at first base, a position he spent some time playing while in the minor leagues.
“He’s the story of Spring Training,” said Joe Starkey Monday. “I’m sorry, this is like your number one overall pick at quarterback still the backup or third-string.
They’re basically verifying at this point that this guy is ‘this close’ to being a bust.”
Bob Pompeani says that even though he made his debut in 2023, Davis haven’t been given enough of a shot to be successful in the MLB.
Davis batted .307 in 57 games at Triple-A but only .144 in 37 games with Pittsburgh last season.
“He’s Mickey Mantle at Triple-A, he’s Brian Brixler in the majors,” said Starkey.
Listen above as Pomp and Joe go over their expectations for the Pirates lineup in 2025.