2019 MLB Draft Profile: Logan Davidson, SS, Clemson

Measureables

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 195 lbs.

Bats/Throws: S/R

DOB:

December 16, 1997

Player Summary

A native of Charlotte, Davidson was a well regarded prep player at Providence High, considered a day two draft talent in the 2016 class for much of his career, and even had some day one support late in his high school days. Davidson stood out with his combination of power, speed and ability on the dirt, and was a great student as well. While he might have had a shot to go in the first or second round, Davidson made his decision to follow the same path that Richie Shaffer had taken before him and move on to Clemson from Providence, and didn’t end up being selected until the Phillies took a stab on him in the 30th round.

An immediate star for the Tigers, Davidson started every game at shortstop as a freshman and hit .286/.388/.473 with 42 walks against 53 strikeouts and reaching double digit totals in both homers and stolen bases. He played in the Cape Cod League after the season’s end, and hit his first real bump in the road, as he struggled to a .210/.317/.266 line with 37 whiffs in 146 PAs. His lack of wood bat power was noted by observers from the pro game, but Davidson put his Cape struggles in the rearview quickly as a sophomore by improving his offensive performance across the board, hitting .292/.408/.544 with 15 long balls and 10 steals, though his strikeout rate did creep up to 22.6% after sitting at 18.1% as a freshman.

Over the summer of 2018, Davidson decided to go out for his second Cape season, and was unable to improve on his 2017 efforts. In 163 PAs for Falmouth, he hit just .194/.292/.266 with 43 strikeouts, again failing to demonstrate pop with wood bats. That said, in both of his Cape campaigns, Davidson was struggling with the bat in general, so I’d be hesitant to mark down his power too much because of those performances. In the 2019 season, Davidson has again enjoyed modest improvements at the plate, and has cracked double digits in both homers (15) and steals (17) for the third consecutive season. His slash line currently sits at .294/.409/.592, and he has already matched his extra base hit total from his sophomore season, in seven less games.

A lithe 6’3”, Davidson is a handy infielder with a quick transfer and release. His arm strength is above-average, and he’s comfortable delivering the ball from a variety of bases quickly. Depending on the composition of his pro organization, Davidson could likely profile at any infield position if required, and has a good chance to be a capable big league shortstop defensively. A switch-hitter, Davidson has a longer bat path from both sides that generates above-average power. He has a discerning eye at the plate and does a good job of working counts, and looks to me like a lower batting average/higher on-base percentage hitter at the pro level.

The sum of Davidson’s parts is very appealing. A name that came to mind a lot to me while watching Davidson play was Ian Desmond- he may not be quite as explosive as Desmond was in his prime, but Davidson has a similar athletic package and could similarly profile at several positions while making explosive contributions on offense with power and speed. So long as Davidson’s bat can be a 45 or so, he should profile somewhere every day, and could also fill a utility role. There’s a wide range of good outcomes here, and he shouldn’t slide out of the top 50 selections even in this strong draft class.

Grades (Potential)

HIT - 45 | POWER - 55 | RUN - 55 | FIELD - 50 | ARM - 55

Projected draft round

Davidson looks to have suitors starting in the 20s and should go in the comp round at the latest. He looks to have a good chance to be drafted in a similar range to fellow Providence High and Clemson alum Richie Shaffer, who was selected 25th in 2012.

Does he fit with Houston?

With a demonstrably advanced approach and consistent performance as well as a switch bat and positional versatility, Davidson checks a lot of traditional Astros boxes.

Will he sign?

Yes.

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