The pressure mounts for former No. 1 overall picks in baseball, especially for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have seen both Paul Skenes and Henry Davis in recent seasons. Skenes, the 2023 pick, excelled, earning the NL Rookie of the Year and a third-place finish in the Cy Young voting. Conversely, Davis, the 2021 pick, has struggled with a .191 average in 99 MLB games. Manager Derek Shelton remains optimistic about Davis, highlighting the need for patience as he transitions from a successful minor league career with a .290 average to a more challenging major league environment.

As the Pirates prepare for the 2025 season, both Skenes and Davis will be pivotal to the franchise's future. The emergence of Joey Bart and returning Endy Rodríguez complicates Davis's path, necessitating consistent at-bats for development. Shelton believes that with time and the right adjustments, Davis can become the player they envisioned when drafting him. Spring training will be crucial for him to showcase his potential and secure a role within the team's plans.