Chicago Cubs Spring Training: Brennen Davis finding best version of self

In an alternate universe, Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis would have already made his Major League debut and would be entering a 2023 season with the expectation of breaking out in his first full season at the Major League level.

Davis, until the breakout season from Pete Crow-Armstrong, has long been considered to be the top prospect in the Cubs organization. The expectation in 2022 was that Davis would start the season with Triple-A Iowa before reaching the Major League level at some point during the second half of the season. A back injury led to Davis struggling at the beginning of the season with the Iowa Cubs before he was ultimately shut down in May to undergo surgery. Davis returned late in the season with the anticipation of playing in the Arizona Fall League but was shut down once more due to a stress reaction.

As the Cubs began Spring Training this week, Davis is in camp and fully healthy. In speaking to reporters on Friday, Davis outlined his hope for Spring Training.

Davis' last full season was in 2021 when he slashed .260/.375/.494/.869 to go along with 19 home runs in 416 plate appearances. Prior to the injury, Davis was a true five-tool prospect and the expectation was that he would be the long-term center fielder for the Cubs. The emergence of Crow-Armstrong in 2022 likely pushes Davis to a corner outfield spot in regard to his future at the Major League level.

A scenario where Davis thrives during Spring Training to the point where the Cubs have to have a discussion regarding whether or not to add him to the Major League roster for Opening Day would certainly be the best-case scenario for the team. In that scenario, it still would seem likely that Davis begins the season with Triple-A Iowa. But, if that proves to be true and Davis regains his top prospect form, then the Cubs could be in a position to add an impact hitter to their lineup mid-season without having to have made a trade.