Largely forgotten Cubs prospect Brennen Davis balls out in first spring action

It feels like years since we've taken Brennen Davis seriously as a Cubs prospect. Baseball America's #16-ranked prospect heading into 2022 has battled core and back injuries the last two years, limiting to just 53 games in 2022 and 71 in 2023 and severely impacting his performance when he was on the field.

So, frankly, no one is expecting much from him heading into 2024 - and rightfully so. But he's still just 24 years old, so if he can stay healthy and get back on track, an already impressive Cubs farm system could reach another level altogether by year's end. And, hopefully, Saturday's showing against the Giants in Cactus League action was a sign of things to come.

Cubs get big game from Brennen Davis in second Cactus League win

This wasn't only damage Davis did on the afternoon, as this homer followed up a two-run single earlier in Chicago's eventual 8-4 win over San Francisco. All in, the Cubs outfielder went 2-for-3 with three RBI, getting his spring off to about the best start imaginable in the process.

Now before we get too ahead of ourselves here, no matter how well he plays this spring, Davis isn't cracking camp with the big league club. The Cubs' outfield picture is a crowded one as it is and the best thing for him would be to simply open the year at Iowa feeling 100% healthy. Getting everyday ABs at Triple-A and hopefully stringing together month after month of consistent performance would be huge for him.

Then, perhaps late in the season, he could get a look at Chicago. But with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki locking down the corners and the likes of Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alexander Canario and Owen Caissie all knocking on the door, the once-clear path to the bigs for Davis is littered with potential roadblocks. Saturday was a good first step of what, hopefully, can be a bounceback season for this once-highly touted talent.