A fresh version of MLB's top 100 prospects list came out on Monday, but unfortunately one of the Cubs' top prospects Brennen Davis completely fell off the list.
Formerly holding the number 83 spot, a recent slump has seen Davis not only booted from the top 100 list but also slide down to number 7 among Cubs' prospects. As a speedy outfielder who flashed considerable power in the past, he has a high ceiling if he can stay healthy. But the numbers Davis has put up this year are just not that great. In 30 games for Triple-A Iowa, Davis owns 3 home runs, 2 doubles, a .196 batting average, and a wRC+ of just 86 (league average is 100).
A series of back injuries have plagued Davis for the past couple of years, but when he is healthy he can do damage. In 2021, Davis worked his way from A+ South Bend to AAA Iowa over the course of the season while smacking 19 home runs and driving in 53. He also showcased excellent plate discipline that year with 50 walks. At 23 years old, Davis will need to start turning things around in a big way to even be considered for a big league promotion with an already crowded outfield and others like Nelson Velazquez and Christopher Morel in front of him.
The Cubs drafted Davis in the second round of the 2018 draft and he has been highly thought of by scouts ever since. But with his lackluster performance, and a wealth of other outfield prospects in the system, Davis is no longer the king of the Cubs' offensive rookies. Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs no.1) and Kevin Alcantara (Cubs no. 3) are now ahead of him in the rankings while Owen Caissie is having a breakout year at AA Tennessee. Alexander Canario (Cubs no. 10) is currently rehabbing from a freak double injury last season, but he had an insane year with 37 home runs and 97 RBIs.
Every other Cub on the list jumped up with OF Alcantara at number 74, RHP Cade Horton leaping 21 spots to 68, and OF Crow-Armstrong cracking the top 15. Hopefully, Davis finds his groove so he can be an asset either as depth for the big league roster or as a part of a trade package.