Henry Davis, Pirates encouraged by progress after offseason swing changes

CHICAGO — There’s certainly more available when it comes to results for Henry Davis. But given the size and scope of the swing changes he made this offseason, the Pirates catcher has been pleased with the progress.

Davis is striking out far less than he has in previous years; three of his four came in one game. Meanwhile, his body has been in position to hit the ball to all fields while not sacrificing any pull-side power.

The sum total has Davis and the Pirates encouraged about the 2021 No. 1 overall draft pick reaching his full potential in 2026.

“It’s solid,” Davis said. “We’ll continue to get better. But I like the quality of my at-bats.

What specifically does he like?

“Taking what they’re giving me more, not trying to do too much when I’m up there. I’m encouraged with some good workdays. Trying to be prepared and let the preparation kind flow when I’m out there.”

Entering Saturday’s game, Davis was hitting .222 and had a .656 OPS through 11 games, with three doubles, three RBIs and two runs scored. It’s progress, Davis obviously has bigger goals than those types of numbers.

For that to happen, Davis will need more consistency, as well as for some of the balls he’s hitting to fall.

But when Davis has been able to stay back and use the middle of the field, or even go the opposite way, those are signs that the changes are working.

“When you look back at when Henry’s been really good, he’s able to go the other way,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “I think back to that swing he had against Sonny Gray in Spring Training when he took a cutter to right-center for a home run. He’s got the power to do that, but it doesn’t have to be the home runs.

“It’s being able to hit even hit the [area between second and first] and stay on baseballs, which I think is the better approach for him. He’s got power and he will catch a ball out front and pull it at times. But I feel like he’s at his best when he’s going the other way.”

While Kelly highlighted the Gray at-bat, Davis cited his single off Padres reliever Wandy Peralta on Tuesday. The left-hander threw Davis a first-pitch sinker on the outer half. In the past, Davis would’ve tried to pull the ball.

This time, however, he stayed back, trusted his hands and shot a ball into right field.

“My body is in a better spot to where I can hit balls where they’re pitched,” Davis said.

The good thing about Davis’ progress has been his defense. It’s been good enough to buy. In fact, Davis has legitimately become one of the best defensive catchers in MLB.

He’s either fourth or tied for fourth in fielding run value (Baseball Savant), defensive runs saved (FanGraphs) or fielding runs above average (FanGraphs).

It’s part of why the Pirates are willing to wait on Davis, trusting his work will bear more fruit.

“He’s shown glimpses,” Pirates hitting coach Matt Hague said. “He’s probably one of the hardest workers on the team at just getting after it, the awareness of himself.

“Just want him to continue down the same path and trust himself because he’s shown he can do it. Now, we’re trying to bring it out longer.”

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.