Brennen Davis Beginning Rehab in South Bend, Joe Hudson Traded to Mets

Outfielder Brennen Davis was once the Cubs’ top-ranked prospect, but a series of injuries have kept him from fulfilling that potential. Though a role as a bench bat once seemed like his floor projection, Davis has yet to debut in the majors as several other outfielders have moved ahead of him on the priority list. The latest issue was a concussion stemming from a hit-by-pitch during spring training that derailed what had been a very strong start.

It’s hard to believe because he’s been with the organization since 2018, but Davis just turned 24 in November and could still have plenty of good baseball ahead of him. The road back starts Friday night in South Bend as Davis will suit up as part of the Cubs’ doubleheader to start his rehab assignment. Even if he proves healthy enough to return to Iowa quickly, it’s going to be tough to carve out a spot on a loaded Triple-A roster.

Not only do the Cubs already have Owen Caissie, Alexander Canario, and Pete Crow-Armstrong stashed away in Des Moines, but veteran David Peralta is also fighting for another shot. Despite his youth and promise, Davis has an uphill battle ahead of him.

One player who won’t be in Iowa when Davis gets back there is Joe Hudson, the journeyman catcher who looked pretty good for the Cubs in Mesa. Signed in the offseason to provide minor-league depth, Hudson was hitless in eight plate appearances for the I-Cubs and was not going to have an opportunity to help out in Chicago. He has now been traded to the Mets per the team’s transaction log and will be assigned to Double-A Binghampton.