This story was excerpted from Justice delos Santos’ Pirates Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

There’s no shortage of fans who want Henry Davis to be promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis. That’s what happens when you post the numbers he’s posting. But those familiar with Davis should know by now that his sights aren’t set on any level of the Minors. 

“I’m not thinking about Triple-A,” Davis told MLB.com. “I don’t really know what goes into those conversations or decisions. I’m just going to do what I can here to make it so that it’s Pittsburgh.”

For his part, Davis is certainly making it difficult for the powers that be to keep him in Double-A.

Through 29 games, Davis leads the Eastern League in on-base percentage (.459), slugging percentage (.635), weighted on-base average (.483) and wRC+ (196). Davis is also fourth in the Eastern League in batting average (.308). Last season, a season defined by a left wrist injury, Davis hit 10 home runs across 59 games. This season, he’s hit nine home runs in 29 games.

 “Everybody has that same goal,” Davis said. “Nobody in any clubhouse in the Minor Leagues really wants to be there. We all had a goal from the time we’re kids: some people have had a taste of it. Some people haven’t yet. But everybody’s goal is to be in the big leagues. Put all your energy into that every day and hopefully good things will happen.” 

The offensive output is impressive in-and-of itself and, under the hood, there’s even more to like.

In 2021 and ‘22, Davis had an 8.7% BB% and 21.3% K%, drawing multiple walks in just one lone game. This season, by contrast, Davis boasts a 17.1% BB% and 17.8% K% with six multi-walk games. Per Altoona manager Callix Crabbe, Davis’ Whiff% is currently around 17.5%. For context, Yandy Díazcurrently ranks in the 86th percentile in the Majors of Whiff% at 17.6%.

“I’ve just really been convicted in my approach,” Davis said. “Looking for something over the center, and trying to hammer it regardless of the count and take an ‘A’ swing. I’ve found that the more I stay within the strike zone, output all across the board goes up.”

Added Crabbe, “We’re seeing what he’s capable of. The extreme exit velocities have always been there. I think the most impressive part of his game is the continued growth in the swing decision area. He’s always been really good at making decisions, but the chase rate is really, really low.”

Davis, of course, isn’t in Double-A because he’s yet to prove himself as a hitter, so he and Endy Rodriguez have an opportunity to catch every day. Last year, Davis didn’t consistently catch; he and Rodríguez split catching duties with High-A Greensboro to begin the year, then Davis dealt with a persistent left wrist injury that plagued him for months. In total, Davis ended up catching only 38 games.

This past Sunday on 93.7 The Fan, general manager Ben Cherington said both Davis and Rodríguez are “accomplishing what they’ve set out to accomplish,” but added that the team would like them each to catch more games. In addition to physical skills such as blocking and receiving, Davis cited game management as an area he is emphasizing.

Along with his catching responsibilities, Davis could have more opportunities to play right field in the coming weeks.

The original plan at the beginning of the season was for Davis, who played three games in right field last year, to play right field one time per week. When Rodríguez hit the injured list, catcher Dylan Shockley was temporarily promoted from Altoona to Indianapolis. This, in turn, put Davis' time in right field on hold.

With Rodríguez back from the injured list and Shockley back with Altoona, Davis will get more time in right field. On May 11 and 12, Davis played back-to-back games in right field, the first time he has done so in his professional career. Crabbe noted that Davis has looked competent in right field, but emphasized that right field will not take precedence over catching.

“Ultimately, when you can hit, you’re going to find a spot,” Crabbe said. “He’s doing everything on both sides of the ball to continue to get better. I’m glad I’m not making the decision.”

John Baker, the Pirates’ director of coaching and player development, joked last week that “Henry likes to make things really difficult.” Given his numbers, Davis has proven that he’s ready for another challenge. The question, then, is whether that next level is Indianapolis or Pittsburgh.