Track Record: Davidson became the first Midland (Texas) JC draftee to make the majors when he debuted in 2020, and he threw 20 innings in 2021 before a forearm strain sidelined him for most of the season. Davidson did come back for the postseason and made a spot start in game five of the World Series, though he allowed four runs in two innings.
Scouting Report: While healthy, Davidson showed a better ability to attack the strike zone at the major league level this year. Establishing his 93 mph fastball allowed his secondary stuff to play up. It's a low-spin fastball, but Davidson pairs that with a firm slider in the upper 80s. The slider is now his go-to breaking ball, with above-average potential and his curveball features solid vertical depth that could give him a third average offering. He largely scrapped a mid-80s changeup (1% usage) in 2021 and the pitch is a distant fourth offering compared to his fastball and breaking pitches. Previously, Davidson's control has led opposing scouts to view him as a reliever, but the Braves have stuck with him as a starter and he looked to take a step forward in his control this year, albeit in a brief sample.
The Future: Davidson's playoff start suggests the Braves trust him, and he should be back in the mix for the team's pitching plans in 2022.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Curveball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 40. Control: 50.
