Pittsburgh Pirates: 2021 Expectations for Austin Davis

On August 26th, 2020, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired left-handed reliever Austin Davis from the Philadelphia Phillies. To acquire Davis, the Pirates sent minor league reliever Joel Cesar and cash considerations to the Phillies.

After coming to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Davis pitched in 5 games logging 3.2 innings pitched. In those 3.2 innings of work Davis posted a 2.45 ERA and a 2.37 FIP. He allowed just one hit, no home runs, walked on batter, struck out three, and limited opposing batters to an 85.7 MPH exit velocity. This strong performance was a good first impression for Davis with the Pirates.

Davis made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2018. In his three MLB season Davis has pitched 62.0 innings in 55 games. He owns a lifetime 5.66 ERA, 4.92 FIP, 10.0% walk rate, 23.8% strikeout rate, and a home runs allowed rate of 1.16 HR/9. While his walk and home run rates are higher than you would like to see, his 23.8% career strikeout rate is a healthy, encouraging number.

Looking ahead to 2021, Davis could carve out a role with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Other than Sam Howard, Davis is the lone left-handed reliever on the Pirates’ 40-man roster. This alone gives him a real opportunity to crack the Opening Day bullpen.

In his career Davis has limited opposing batters to a 88.7 MPH exit velocity and a 34.8% hard hit rate, both of which are league average. His 6.1% barrel rate against is slightly below league average.

Daivs uses a four-pitch mix. The 28-year-old lefty throws a fastball, curveball, slider, and change up.

To start the 2021 season Davis could be in the Pirate bullpen. Working as likely just one of two lefty relievers, Davis could be given plenty of opportunities against left-handed hitters. If he succeeds, Davis could see his role grow. If not, his time in the Pirate bullpen may be short lived in 2021.