All attention focuses on the top pick. Why wouldn’t it?
The Pittsburgh Pirates secured the first overall selection in two of the last three MLB Drafts, under the helm of General Manager Ben Cherington, who opted for two of the most accomplished college players of the past decade. Their impact is becoming increasingly evident.
Paul Skenes and Henry Davis emerge as the most discussed figures in MLB Spring Training. While Skenes is slated to commence the season in the Minor Leagues, Davis’ future remains uncertain.
The debate between what should be done versus what will be done looms large, with both players potentially influencing the Pirates’ decisions.
The optimal path suggests Skenes beginning his journey in the Minor Leagues. Though not the desired outcome for Pirates fans, it is deemed the most advantageous for Skenes for several reasons.
Primarily, Skenes lacks experience in a five-man rotation, having primarily served as a Friday starter at LSU, pitching every seven days. Despite making five starts across three levels within the Pirates organization, he has never exceeded two innings in an outing.
Paul Skenes strikeout, Henry Davis catching 100 on the corner 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0SP8yEBuIf
— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) March 5, 2024
Having thrown only 6.2 innings since his draft, his trajectory contrasts sharply with that of Gerrit Cole, who accumulated 200 innings before his recall in 2013. Skenes represents one of the most polarizing starting pitching prospects since Stephen Strasburg, evident in his ability to command pitches at 101 mph and deploy a slider with equal finesse.
While the decision may not appease all, the Pirates’ choice aligns with strategic foresight. Placing Skenes among the organization’s top five starters acknowledges his potential and facilitates consistent performance every fifth day, fostering a rhythm conducive to success.
Considering starting Skenes in Double-A Altoona for initial games before progressing to Triple-A Indianapolis could serve as a developmental stepping stone, preparing him for lengthier outings.
Despite ongoing participation in MLB camp and opportunities to face big-league hitters, considerations such as Super Two status influence the timing of Skenes’ potential debut, possibly extending into May or June.
Conversely, Davis’ presence in Miami for the Pirates’ season opener is imperative. His defensive capabilities, while questioned, remain robust. Performance metrics underscore his offensive prowess, with notable achievements in Spring Training including a tied lead in home runs and an impressive .333 batting average with a 1.280 OPS.
That sound off Henry Davis's bat. 🔊😮 pic.twitter.com/MGbj5ElYh1
— MLB (@MLB) March 2, 2024
The Pirates face a pivotal decision regarding Davis, weighing the option of assigning him to Triple-A or integrating him into the Major League lineup, where he could form an electrifying tandem with Skenes.
Yasmani Grandal’s injury offers further impetus for Davis’ ascension to starting catcher, considering his stellar offensive output and collegiate experience as a catcher for a College World Series team at Louisville.
Trust in the investment made in Davis is essential. Despite lingering doubts about his defensive abilities, Spring Training performances suggest a solid foundation for his transition to the Major Leagues.
The prospect of Skenes and Davis collaborating in May or June presents an enticing proposition. Patience is advised for Pirates fans, as strategic planning remains paramount in maximizing their potential impact.
