Cubs Top Prospect Brennen Davis Hurts Hand Bunting Again, Disappoints Cubs and Royals Fans
Brennen Davis has rocketed up the Cubs’ prospects lists following his second round selection in the 2018 draft. A two-sport athlete in high school, Davis gave up basketball and is focused on baseball for the first time. But if he’s to continue on his current trajectory, maybe we can get the Cubs to stop him from doing this one little thing.
For the second time in South Bend’s homestand, Davis squared around to bunt and got nailed in the finger. He had just smacked a double in his previous at-bat and has been a dynamic offensive force ever since being called up to low-A, so seeing him have to leave the game was disappointing.
Brennen Davis just hit a double. #Cubs fans, you got a good one. @InsidetheIvy @CubsDen @cubprospects @Cubsminorswrap @brennen7777 @CubsCentral08 pic.twitter.com/afkrzB9xKL
— Clinton Cole (@cdcole55) July 15, 2019
Not nearly as disappointing as it was to Royals fans who got all sorts of giddy when they though #HugWatch was in effect as part of the Martin Maldonado trade that ended up being for Mike Montgomery. Womp, womp. But while Cubs fans should be very pleased to keep Davis in the organization, this situation is a little unnerving in the way of losing both Nico Hoerner and Zach Short for a while to hand-related HBPs.
In their recently-adjusted prospect rankings, FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen and Kiley McDaniel listed Davis among those who’ve improved their future value. Though it was only from a 45 FV to a 45+, it’s not insignificant for a player who’s just now in his first full season of professional baseball.
Davis has improved his timing and comfort at the plate, and while his swing still has an awkward, abbreviated finish, he’s shown unexpectedly good bat control and flashes of impact opposite field power.
We’ll keep you updated as soon as his next health report is released. And from now on, no more bunting.