Pirates Sign Noah Davis to Minor League Deal: A Late Bloomer's Chance at Success?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed right-handed pitcher Noah Davis to a minor league deal, marking a significant development in his career. Davis, who elected minor league free agency in October, brings a unique journey to the team. With multiple career outright assignments and a lack of return to the Twins' 40-man roster after being outrighted in September, he's now aiming to prove his worth in the minors.
Noah Davis made his MLB debut in 2022, pitching a single inning for the Colorado Rockies. Since then, he's played in four Major League seasons, with limited playing time. His stats include 27 games and 62 1/3 innings, a 9.53 ERA, 18.5% strikeout rate, and 9.2% walk rate. The majority of his struggles have been attributed to giving up home runs, with 17 allowed in his 62 1/3 innings, including 10 during his time with the Rockies.
In 2025, Davis had a challenging season, with a 18.00 ERA across 11 innings with the Dodgers and Twins. He began the year with the Red Sox on a minor league contract, but was traded to the Dodgers in March and designated for assignment in July. Despite his struggles, the Pirates saw potential in Davis, especially as a reliever. With a 3.88 ERA, 26K%, and 11.5BB% in 48 2/3 innings and 35 appearances for the Dodgers' and Twins' Triple-A affiliates, the Pirates believe he could be a late bloomer with their pitching development support.
As Davis enters his age-29 season, the Pirates' decision to sign him is a bold move. With the team's recent success in developing pitchers and the new pitching coach Bill Murphy's expertise, there's a glimmer of hope that Davis might finally reach his full potential. The question remains: can the Pirates help transform Davis into a reliable reliever, or will he continue to struggle against big league batters?
What do you think? Is Davis a player worth watching in the minors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
