2023 MLB Draft Profile: Chase Davis
Next up on our list is power-hitting outfielder Chase Davis, taken No. 21 overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2023 MLB Draft. The Cardinals have struggled in developing prospects as of late, can Davis put an end to that? Let’s look at his MLB Draft profile and find out.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Davis was a top 100 prospect all the way back in 2020, in large part due to the raw power he’s shown scouts. Three years later that hasn’t changed, in fact, scouts have only fallen in love with it more.
From the left side of the plate, Davis has an incredibly quick swing, helping him generate a lot of his power with his average 6-foot-1 frame. He has seemingly tapped into his power more recently and it overall has made him a better hitter. His reliance on power though does lead to some increased swings and misses, something scouts noted as a big weakness for Chase Davis back in 2020.
But he has shown an ability to adjust by improving his hard hit on pitches in the zone while also dropping the strikeout rate–this a good sign for the MLB potential of Chase Davis.
Another thing I like about Davis is that even though he has plus raw power, he doesn’t let it take over his game. He sprays the ball to all parts of the field and has even shown consistent power to the opposite field, which is always the true tell of an elite hitter, at least at 20-years-old.
Davis for now has answered the main critiques of his offensive approach. If he can carry these adjustments to higher levels then I don’t doubt he will have a roster spot very soon.
In the field, Davis likely projects as a power-hitting corner outfielder. I don’t think he quite has the range or glove to hold down center field at the highest level. I think he is just a little too slow and would be better served in a corner.
He did play a decent amount of center field though in college so maybe the Cardinals throw him out there to see what he can do. After all, having an elite shortstop far outweighs an elite corner outfielder. Can’t hurt to try.
I think there is definitely a path to the big league for Davis. He has already shown the ability to make adjustments and recognize weaknesses in his game–two things crucial to being a great hitter at the highest level.
Davis has all the tools to be a great hitter, quick swing from the left side, with natural power that you just can’t teach. I just hope, for the sake of Cardinals fans, he puts it all together and quickly. Lord knows the Cardinals need it.
***
Subscribe to our Youtube!!
Check out our Merch!!
