Natural catchers, Davis and Rodriguez might benefit from position versatility.
One of the most exciting days on the calendar is only a week away. Christmas Day, my favorite holiday, brings together family and friends for a day to celebrate and spread holiday joy.
It’s also a day to give and receive presents. While Spencer Horwitz has become the most notable gift under the tree to date, the Pittsburgh Pirates own two gifts in rollaway looking to make an impact in 2025.
Neither catchers Henry Davis nor Endy Rodriguez would say the 2024 season was what they envisioned or would have liked, but the two young players hold a key part in the Pirates future.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Davis showed flashes of potential by becoming the first player in baseball to hit two home runs off Shohei Ohtani in the same game. Since, Davis has left much to be desired.
Davis, 25, slashed .144/.242/.212 with one home run, five RBIs, and a .454 OPS in 104 at-bats spanning 37 games. In 2023, He delivered 10 doubles, seven homers, drove in 24 runs, and hit .213 through 62 contests.
The Pirates first tested Davis in right field to utilize his cannon arm while deploying Austin Hedges and others behind the plate. His defense improved over the offseason and transitioned back to catcher – a position the Pirates are adamant they want him to play – but returned to the Minors after May 1.
That sound off Henry Davis’s bat. pic.twitter.com/MGbj5ElYh1
— MLB (@MLB) March 2, 2024
Originally considered his best tool to mask average framing capabilities. Davis’ strikeout numbers continue to hold him back. In 329 career at-bats, Davis has struck out 114 times… 35 percent of the time.
I still have faith Davis can put it all together, but time is fleeting for the former Louisville star backstop. Joey Bart became a dependable run producer and defender after being acquired from San Francisco early in the season. Bart’s success as the top catcher leaves the Pirates in a peculiar situation.
My belief in Davis is strong enough, given Minor League success and power potential, to catch 30-35 percent of the time. Bart slugged 13 home runs and 45 RBIs over 80 games. To keep him fresh and healthy, the Pirates should work Davis behind the plate on occasion and Bart into a DH role with Andrew McCutchen to best utilize their skill sets. It allows them to keep Bart in the lineup, play McCutchen around 65-70 percent of games at DH, and playing time for Davis to figure it out at the major league level.
The Pirates are reportedly considering playing Bryan Reynolds a tad at first base to get him off his feet in the outfield. If Davis plays anywhere other than catcher, it should be at first. Multiple catchers like Yasmani Grandal and Buster Posey moved to first later in their careers. It creates versatility and an alternative path to and a right-handed compliment to Horwitz when the Bucs face a lefty.
Rodriguez holds an interesting case. The switch hitter injured his elbow in winter ball last offseason and missed the entire 2024 season. He returned to MiLB ball and reached Triple-A following stints with the FCL Pirates and Double-A Altoona.
Rodriguez slashed .220/.284/.328 in 57 games during the ‘23 campaign. It won’t be easy at first for Rodriguez to return after missing a full year, similar to Oneil Cruz, but the Minor League work and Spring Training will help.
The Pirates’ most glaring need is right field. They tried Edward Olivares, Bryan De La Cruz, Ji Hwan Bae, and others that didn’t work. Rodriguez played 13 games in left field two years ago and has professional experience at first and second base. A versatile athlete capable of bounding around the diamond, Rodriguez could immediately impact the lineup from a corner outfield spot and cover ground in right.
Ben Cherington and Derek Shelton are adamant about both Davis and Rodriguez remaining as catchers, but there’s only so much playing time available. Playing Davis at catcher and first base and Rodriguez in right field and sparingly at catcher creates position versatility with three catchers on the roster and the chance to determine their futures with the Pirates.
The Pirates should explore the possibility in Spring Training to best maximize their offense and guide Davis and Rodriguez to find their potential. The organization needs the two young players to step up and become key, impactful players many think they still can be and help turn the Pirates into a winner in ‘25.