Henry Davis helped shape Pirates future even if his own is running out

Henry Davis has spent the past few years proving he can be a major-league catcher. The question now is whether he’s done enough to remain the Pittsburgh Pirates’ catcher.

The former No. 1 overall pick has developed into an above-average defensive backstop, something that is hardly easy to find. He handles a pitching staff well. He has become a leader behind the plate. And opposing teams clearly respect his arm, attempting roughly half as many stolen bases against him as they do against the average catcher.

Give opponents another 20 or 30 stolen-base attempts over the course of a season and some of those unquestionably turn into runs. Davis’ ability to control the running game provides value that doesn't always show up neatly in his offensive numbers.

Unfortunately, those offensive numbers are becoming impossible to overlook. His production this season essentially mirrors his career norms, and for a Pirates team still searching for ways to squeeze more offense into its lineup, it simply isn't enough.

That makes one rumor from the trade deadline considerably more interesting now. Ben Cherington reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring Colorado Rockies All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, who has produced an .841 OPS with 38 home runs this season. Goodman isn't nearly the defender Davis is, but what a tradeoff it would be.

The Pirates don't necessarily need to acquire Goodman specifically this winter. But the fact that Cherington was even exploring that portion of the marketplace is notable. It suggests Pittsburgh understands that catcher could be one of the places it can meaningfully upgrade the offense.

Rafael Flores Jr.'s emergence makes that possibility even easier to envision. Flores has been one of Pittsburgh's best second-half developments, providing legitimate offensive production while proving capable of handling catching duties. Pairing him with another offense-first catcher could give the Pirates significantly more upside at the position in 2027. That could leave Davis without an obvious role.

Henry Davis may be playing in his final games as a Pittsburgh Pirate

Taking Davis No. 1 overall in 2021 allowed Pittsburgh to save enough bonus-pool money to sign Bubba Chandler and Lonnie White Jr. later in that draft. Chandler has since developed into one of the organization's most important young pitchers.

Davis helped make that possible. If that's how his Pirates career ends, though, it shouldn't completely change the way his selection is remembered.

There is also something remarkable about what Pittsburgh's catchers accomplished collectively this season. Despite injuries constantly reshuffling the depth chart, the group managed to provide both quality defense and considerably more offense than anyone reasonably could have expected.

The Pirates probably shouldn't assume everything will line up so perfectly again next season, which means difficult decisions could be coming.

Davis deserves considerable credit for turning himself into such a strong defensive catcher after entering professional baseball largely known for his bat. But the Pirates have reached the point where improvement has to matter more than pedigree.

Davis' offense hasn't developed. Flores' has. And if Pittsburgh believes it can find another catcher capable of providing significantly more damage at the plate, it should explore that opportunity aggressively.

Davis may never become the franchise player the Pirates envisioned when they selected him first overall. But his draft helped bring Chandler into the organization. His defense helped stabilize one of baseball's most demanding positions. And his presence has been part of Pittsburgh building toward whatever comes next.

Davis helped shape the Pirates' future. That doesn't necessarily mean he has to be part of it.

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