6. Tucker Davidson
Updated Rank: 4
Personal Rank: 11
Updated Personal Rank: 7
Tucker Davidson was selected in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB draft from Midland College. He was not highly regarded at the time, but slowly worked his way up the prospect rankings.
Davidson got a spot start back in 2020 that did not go well. He got a second shot in 2021, that went slightly better. He started 4 games, pitched 20 innings with a 3.60 ERA, 6.08 xERA, 4.52 FIP, 4.42 xFIP, & 1.15 WHIP. The numbers are largely inflated due to one bad start.
He may never be a high strikeout guy, but rather will rely on getting weak contact to succeed in the majors.. He showed promise in his run with Atlanta early, but an injury kept him out of action for much of the year.
He did return in time to be added to the postseason roster due to another injury. He got the start in game 5 of the World Series out of necessity but was overmatched by the Astros offense.
Davidson would only last 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 3 walks, 4 runs (2 earned), and 1 strikeout. He was at 53 pitches which was probably his limit coming off the forearm injury.
When Davidson was drafted, some figured he would be more of a relief pitching prospect. He proved he has value as a potential starter and climbed up rankings because of it.
He throws a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup. While there are signs of life in all his offerings, they are still fairly inconsistent right now.
He should still be in the mix for a role with the big-league club in 2022 if he is healthy. The injury was forearm tightness which is always worrisome for a pitcher. The fear for rust or lingering injury could create problems in 2022.
I do have Davidson lower than most. I still really like his potential, but just see him having a much lower ceiling compared to other guys within the system.
To me, he projects as a backend of the rotation pitcher. Nothing wrong with that, as he could still create a very nice career in that role.
Hopefully, Davidson is healthy in 2022 and can make the most of the opportunity he is given. He will most likely graduate from prospect lists this year.