Brennen Davis Shines As MVP Of 2021 Futures Game

DENVER—When Brennen Davis arrived in Denver to represent the Cubs in the 2021 Futures Game, he made up his mind to keep things simple.

It’s nothing out of the ordinary, just the way the 21-year-old outfielder has always been wired. After navigating limited play at the alternate training site in 2020, Davis is just happy to be back with the opportunity to do what he loves.

Adapting to the atmosphere of Denver, Davis knew the air will treat you differently out west than at his current assignment of Knoxville, Tenn., home of the Double-A Tennessee Smokies.

“(The air) is definitely noticeable,” Davis said.

Davis’ introduction at the plate for the National League roster wasn’t seamless, ending in a swinging strikeout.

He was late and he knew it.

Prior to his next at-bat, Davis returned to the basics and knew he needed to just slow down.

Facing Twins righthander Josh Winder in the fourth inning, Davis wasn’t familiar with Winder’s profile, but he had returned the pace of the game to what he wanted.

That adjustment translated to him vaulting a 95 mph fastball 428 feet to straightaway centerfield.

Just like always, Davis was keeping it simple.

Fast forward to the sixth inning. Orioles righthander Marcos Diplan had faced one batter the previous inning, giving Davis a preview of what he would be facing.

“When he came back out, I kind of had an idea of what he had,” Davis said. “I think it’s weird going and having a scouting report, in-depth what they try to do and all this stuff. It’s like a spring training at-bat where you know nothing.”

This time it was an 83 mph offspeed offering that Davis rocketed 410 feet.

Following the game, as the newly crowned Futures Game MVP slid into a seat, still donning his Cubs cap and uniform, the events of the day were still setting in and Davis didn’t deny that.

“I can’t put it into words, because I feel like (the Futures Game) still happening and I haven’t been able to come down from what just happened and running around the bases. I don’t know,” he said. “You should ask me tomorrow.”

The man giving him the MVP trophy? Hall of famer Ken Griffey Jr.

“Yeah, I mean being around Ken Griffey (in the clubhouse) and all the players, I really enjoyed being around all those guys,” Davis added. “These are the guys that I hope to play against, and play with later on in my career. It’s just awesome to be around those caliber of guys.”