Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 70 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

There are Draft prospects who are polished and show now tools, then there are ones who scouts have to dream on, projecting what tremendous raw tools might become. Davis, a one-time two-sport athlete, fits into the latter category with a high ceiling, but a long way to get there. A former basketball standout who was the Arizona 6A Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, Davis gave up the sport to focus on baseball. The result has been a better swing than had been seen previously and a body that's starting to transform because he's had time to spend in the weight room.

There is still a crudeness to his offensive game, but there are flashes of the ability to hit for average and with power to come as he continues to add strength to his long, lanky frame. Right now, he has to sell out for that power and has instead focused on improving contact. A 70 runner normally, Davis dealt with a hamstring issue that slowed him some this spring, but that plus speed should allow him to steal bases and cover a ton of ground in center field, where he has a very strong arm.

Davis will be a project for any team that tries to sign him away from his Miami commitment. But teams that love raw tools may look off into the future and see an Adam Jones or Lewis Brinson type if it all comes together.

Scouting grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40

Davis helped Basha HS (Chandler, Ariz.) win the state 6-A basketball championship in 2017 before deciding to focus on baseball that summer. Signed for $1.1 million as a second-round pick a year later, he emerged as the Cubs' best position prospect following the pandemic shutdown and won MVP honors at the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, but he also has had trouble staying healthy. He has missed time with a broken right index finger (2019), a concussion after getting beaned in Spring Training (2021 and 2024), an operation to correct a nest of blood vessels pushing against a nerve in his back (2022) and core muscle surgery (2023). After his best month yet in Triple-A this May, he sustained a fracture in his back that will sideline him indefinitely.

Missing large chunks of the last three seasons has harmed Davis' development as a hitter. He's less balanced at the plate than he was earlier in his career, and he has more holes in his right-handed swing and makes less consistent contact than he did in the past. He still shows bat speed and the ability to work counts, but now he's more of a power-over-hit guy with 25-homer potential.

Once a plus runner, Davis has lost some quickness as he has added muscle and now has more fringy speed. His range has diminished in the outfield as well, and he no longer projects as a center fielder, though that was a moot point anyway with Pete Crow-Armstrong in the organization. He has solid arm strength and fits best in right field.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

A two-sport star in high school who helped Basha HS (Chandler, Ariz.) win the state 6-A basketball title in 2017 before focusing on baseball, Davis signed for $1.1 million as a second-round pick a year later. He has displayed one of the highest ceilings in the Cubs' system ever since but has played just 221 games in five years as a pro because of right index finger injuries (2019), the pandemic (2020), a concussion (2021) and back surgery (2022). He has been a shell of himself the last two seasons, during which he had an operation to correct a nest of blood vessels pushing against a nerve in his back last June and underwent core muscle surgery 12 months later.  

The MVP of the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, Davis has transformed during his time in pro ball, going from a more balanced hitter earlier in his career to focusing more on power as he has risen through the Minors. He has added strength to a 6-foot-4 frame that already provided plenty of leverage, and he also generates impressive bat speed with his right-handed stroke. He still works counts and doesn't completely sell out for home runs, but he also shows more holes in his swing and strikes out more frequently than he did in the past. 

Although Davis has lost some quickness as he has added strength, he's still at least an average runner and will flash solid speed at times. He covers ground in center field and can get the job done there, but he'll be pushed to a corner once fellow Cubs outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is ready for the big leagues. Davis has enough arm strength and the power to be an asset once he shifts to right field.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

Though a hamstring injury in his senior year at an Arizona high school and concerns about whether his bat was ready for pro ball created mixed opinions about Davis in the 2018 Draft, the Cubs were thrilled to get him in the second round and signed him for $1.1 million. He played in just 167 games in his first four years as a pro, losing time to right index finger injuries in 2019, the cancellation of the 2020 season and a Spring Training beaning that left him with a concussion and broken nose last year. Nevertheless, he reached Triple-A at age 21, homered four times in 15 games there and won MVP honors at the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game after going deep twice at Coors Field. 

Davis offers some of the best all-around tools in the system, though his development was put on hold when he had back surgery June 2 to correct a nest of blood vessels that was pushing against a nerve in his back and causing discomfort. His bat speed, still-projectable strength and the leverage in his 6-foot-4 frame give him well above-average raw power, and he taps into it by launching flyballs to all fields. Formerly a plus runner, he now has closer to average speed after getting considerably stronger since turning pro.

After tightening his right-handed swing and learning to use the opposite field in pro ball, Davis batted .303 in his first two seasons, but he dropped to .260 with a 28 percent strikeout rate last year. He does work counts and focuses on making hard contact rather than selling out for power, so he still could become a solid hitter if he can close some holes with more experience. He still should be a quality regular even if his bat doesn't catch back up to his other tools, because he's a solid defender with arm strength to match at all three outfield spots. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 60

Though Davis helped Basha High (Chandler, Ariz.) to the state 6-A basketball championship in 2017 and was named his region's defensive player of the year, he concentrated full time on baseball after a standout performance at the Area Code Games that summer. A hamstring injury in his senior year and questions about how ready his bat was for pro ball led to mixed opinions about him in the 2018 Draft, but the Cubs gladly took him in the second round and signed him for $1.1 million. He impressed by hitting .305/.381/.525 in the pitcher-friendly Class A Midwest League in ‘19, albeit in just 50 games because he injured his right index finger twice, then he spent last year at Chicago's alternate training site and in instructional league. 

Davis' bat has proven more polished than expected, and though he initially struggled against more experienced pitchers as the youngest player at Chicago's alternate site, he showed the ability to make adjustments. He has tightened up his right-handed swing since signing, which has unlocked his opposite-field power. He has well-above-average raw pop thanks to his bat speed, projectable strength and leverage in his 6-foot-4 frame, and he makes consistent hard contact. 

Davis presently has plus speed, giving him 30-homer, 30-steal upside, though he may lose a half-step as he fills out and he's still learning to make the most of his wheels. He can be more aggressive on the bases and improve his reads and routes in center field. He has the quickness and solid arm strength to play anywhere in the outfield. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

After helping Basha High (Chandler) win the Arizona state 6-A hoops title in 2017 while also winning region defensive player of the year honors, Davis opted to focus on baseball after performing well at the Area Code Games that summer. Though he was one of the best athletes in the 2018 Draft, a hamstring injury slowed him as a senior and helped drop him to the late second round, where he signed for $1.1 million. He proved more polished than expected in his first full pro season, batting .305/.381/.525 in the pitcher-friendly low Class A Midwest League, albeit in just 50 games while battling multiple injuries to his right index finger.

As a potential 30-30 center fielder, Davis has the highest ceiling among Cubs position prospects. He already has tightened up his right-handed swing in his short time in pro ball, allowing him to drive the ball to the opposite field more easily. His bat speed and the combination of projectable strength and leverage in his 6-foot-4 frame give him well above-average raw power, and he has had no trouble making consistent contact against pro pitching.

Davis still is learning to take full advantage of his plus speed, as he has yet to take many chances on the bases and still needs to refine his reads and routes in center. With his quickness and solid arm strength, he's capable of playing anywhere in the outfield. Chicago is delighted by the amount of progress he has made so quickly and can't wait to see what he might do over a fully healthy season.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 65 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

Davis starred in basketball, helping Basha High (Chandler, Ariz.) win the 2017 Arizona 6-A state basketball championship while earning region defensive player of the year honors. He gave up hoops, however, after performing well at the Area Code Games that summer and deciding he had a brighter future in baseball. One of the best athletes in the 2018 Draft, he battled hamstring injuries during his senior season but still went in the second round and signed for $1.1 million.

Davis already has made improvements to his right-handed swing and has performed well in Class A, showing the tools to become a 30-30 player if he hits. With his bat speed and the leverage and projectable strength in his 6-foot-4 frame, he can punish the ball when he connects. He's also a well above-average runner who should wreak havoc on the bases once he hones his instincts.

With his quickness, Davis should have little trouble staying in center field, though he still needs to refine his reads and routes. His solid arm strength gives him the ability to play all three outfield spots if needed. He has made significant progress since committing to baseball and the Cubs believe he'll continue to improve.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 70 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

Davis helped lead Basha High (Chandler, Ariz.) to the Arizona 6-A state basketball title in 2017, where he was named his region's defensive player of the year. He gave up hoops after a strong performance at the Area Code Games that summer convinced him he had a brighter future in baseball. Chicago agreed, drafting him in the second round this June and signing him for $1.1 million.

Davis' signature tool is plus-plus speed that could make him a devastating basestealer and quality center fielder once he improves his reads and instincts. It's also easy to dream on his power, because he has bat speed and an extremely projectable frame with long levers. His solid arm strength is better than most at his position.

While he has a huge ceiling, Davis also will need plenty of time to develop. He has improved his right-handed swing, but he still has more adjustments to make and also must hone his pitch recognition and plate discipline. The amount of progress he has made since focusing on baseball leads to optimism that he'll figure things out offensively.

Awards

MiLB.com Organization All-Star

Year	Team
2021
2019

SOU Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2021

Futures Game Selection

Year	Team
2021

Futures Game Most Valuable Player

Year	Team
2021

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	11/19/2024	Chicago Cubs designated CF Brennen Davis for assignment.
	11/04/2024	Chicago Cubs activated CF Brennen Davis from the 60-day injured list.
	09/13/2024	Chicago Cubs recalled CF Brennen Davis from Iowa Cubs.
	09/11/2024	Iowa Cubs placed CF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	08/27/2024	Iowa Cubs activated OF Brennen Davis from the 7-day injured list.
	07/02/2024	Iowa Cubs placed OF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	04/23/2024	Iowa Cubs activated OF Brennen Davis from the 7-day injured list.
	04/12/2024	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to South Bend Cubs.
	03/29/2024	Iowa Cubs placed OF Brennen Davis on the 10-day injured list.
	03/08/2024	Chicago Cubs optioned OF Brennen Davis to Iowa Cubs.
	03/08/2024	Iowa Cubs activated OF Brennen Davis.
	03/07/2024	Chicago Cubs Prospects activated OF Brennen Davis.
	10/02/2023	Chicago Cubs recalled OF Brennen Davis from Iowa Cubs.
	08/31/2023	Iowa Cubs activated OF Brennen Davis from the 7-day injured list.
	08/23/2023	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to South Bend Cubs.
	08/23/2023	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to South Bend Cubs.
	08/17/2023	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to ACL Cubs.
	06/07/2023	Iowa Cubs placed OF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	06/07/2023	Iowa Cubs placed OF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	06/07/2023	Iowa Cubs placed OF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	06/07/2023	Iowa Cubs placed OF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	03/10/2023	Chicago Cubs optioned OF Brennen Davis to Iowa Cubs.
	11/15/2022	Chicago Cubs selected the contract of OF Brennen Davis from Iowa Cubs.
	09/16/2022	Mesa Solar Sox activated OF Brennen Davis.
	09/16/2022	Mesa Solar Sox activated OF Brennen Davis.
	08/22/2022	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to South Bend Cubs.
	08/22/2022	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to South Bend Cubs.
	08/15/2022	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to ACL Cubs.
	08/15/2022	Iowa Cubs sent OF Brennen Davis on a rehab assignment to ACL Cubs.
	05/12/2022	Iowa Cubs placed OF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	03/17/2022	OF Brennen Davis assigned to Chicago Cubs.
	03/17/2022	OF Brennen Davis roster status changed by Chicago Cubs.
	09/14/2021	OF Brennen Davis assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
	07/10/2021	National League Futures activated OF Brennen Davis.
	06/01/2021	OF Brennen Davis assigned to Tennessee Smokies from South Bend Cubs.
	05/21/2021	OF Brennen Davis assigned to South Bend Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
	05/04/2021	OF Brennen Davis assigned to Tennessee Smokies from Cubs Organization.
	05/02/2021	OF Brennen Davis assigned to Cubs Organization from Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
	03/01/2021	OF Brennen Davis assigned to Chicago Cubs .
	03/01/2021	OF Brennen Davis assigned to Chicago Cubs .
	02/12/2021	CF Brennen Davis assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
	02/12/2021	CF Brennen Davis assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
	10/06/2020	CF Brennen Davis assigned to South Bend Cubs from Cubs Alternate Training Site.
	10/06/2020	CF Brennen Davis assigned to South Bend Cubs.
	07/19/2020	CF Brennen Davis assigned to Cubs Alternate Training Site from South Bend Cubs.
	06/28/2020	CF Brennen Davis roster status changed by Chicago Cubs.
	03/07/2020	CF Brennen Davis assigned to Chicago Cubs.
	09/01/2019	South Bend Cubs activated CF Brennen Davis from the 7-day injured list.
	08/01/2019	South Bend Cubs placed CF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	07/29/2019	South Bend Cubs activated CF Brennen Davis from the 7-day injured list.
	07/17/2019	South Bend Cubs placed CF Brennen Davis on the 7-day injured list.
	05/25/2019	CF Brennen Davis assigned to South Bend Cubs from AZL Cubs 2.
	06/26/2018	CF Brennen Davis assigned to AZL Cubs 2.
	06/17/2018	Chicago Cubs signed OF Brennen Davis.