Spring training is now underway, and the Chicago Cubs appear to have finalized their roster with the addition of Cody Bellinger. However, the first ten Cactus League games have showcased some of the young players that the club has been developing over the last few years. Perhaps it is time for the young guns to take the next step, and they will need reinforcements to join Bellinger, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and others
One player has almost been forgotten in the excitement on the Cubs’ farm. Brennen Davis, a former top prospect for the organization, has dropped down the top 30 list. At the completion of the 2023 season, Davis was ranked as the Cubs’ No. 19 prospect. Now he is not even ranked.
Davis’ decline was clearly not due to a lack of talent, as evidenced by his home run and three RBI in the Cubs’ Spring Training victory over the San Francisco Giants, but rather to injury. Davis suffered a bad back ailment in 2022, which was followed by a core muscle injury in 2023. Both injuries necessitated surgery, and Davis hasn’t looked like the man who won MVP in the 2021 Futures Game and was named the Cubs’ Minor League man of the Year after the same season.
Davis appears to be in good health and ready to prove that he is still the player that fans coveted after the 2021 season. With that in mind, is a healthy Davis the Cubs’ biggest wild card in 2024?
The Cubs will need power, without a question. Although Bellinger, Christopher Morel, and Seiya Suzuki can all hit 30 home runs, having more power to compliment Happ, Swanson, Patrick Wisdom, and Michael Busch would be beneficial. Furthermore, injuries can always delay the advancement of particular players, as evidenced by Happ’s most recent injury.
Perhaps Davis goes up to the bat, metaphorically and physically, to provide more force in the event of unavoidable accidents. He’s unlikely to hit 25 or more home runs, but he could add another 15-20 to the lineup.
The biggest question mark for Davis, presuming he’s healthy, in condition, and in the majors, is his position. Davis can play all three outfield positions but is most suited to left field. Unfortunately for Davis, Happ is a Gold Glove left fielder who will almost certainly remain in the lineup. Davis may line up on certain days at any location to give players a respite, but the designated hitting role could be Davis’ home in 2024 if he’s in Chicago.
Davis is a Cubs wild card heading into 2024. The former top prospect, who is only 24 years old, is one of the most likely to make the majors. A healthy version of Davis might be one of the Cubs’ many key pieces from inside if they actually intend to compete this season.
