Cam Smith named to Astros Opening Day lineup
As the countdown to Opening Day continues, top prospects are earning calls to the big leagues left and right. Cam Smith - top prospect in the Astros organization - was informed on Tuesday that not only would he be breaking camp with the 26-man roster, but that he would be starting in right field on Opening Day in Houston. Smith tore it up for the Astros in Spring Training, and will make his Major League debut less than a year removed from his last game of college ball.
Cam Smith’s journey to his debut
Cam Smith just turned 22 years old and was playing college baseball at Florida State less than a year ago. He was one of the top college position players in last year’s draft, but was widely regarded as a tier below some of the top talents such as Travis Bazzana, Charlie Condon, and Jac Caglianone. Smith ended up going 14th overall to the Chicago Cubs, and proceeded to rake upon his entrance into pro ball. He got started at Low-A Myrtle Beach where he posted a 1.174 OPS and six home runs over 57 plate appearances which earned him a quick promotion to High-A South Bend. Smith didn’t miss a beat at the next level as he logged a 167 wRC+ in 57 plate appearances and promptly ended up at Double-A Knoxville where he finished up his season. His total MiLB line following the draft was .313/.396/.609, with seven home runs and a 179 wRC+.
I typically don’t put a whole lot of stock into newly drafted players upon their introduction into pro ball, especially if they just grinded out a long college season including a playoff run. In Smith’s case, his Florida State Seminoles played in the College World Series. If a player struggles in his pro debut, I typically attribute it to fatigue and I wait for the following season to really figure out what said player is going to be. If anything, Smith did the opposite and showed fans just how good he can be despite the wear and tear of a college season.
Smith is of course no longer with the Cubs, and Chicago’s front office might be kicking themselves right now. Smith was part of the return to Houston in the Kyle Tucker trade. The Astros were looking to get Tucker off the books prior to him hitting free agency following this season, and to beef up their farm system which has been one of the worst over the last couple of years. It appears Houston struck gold. Not only did he earn the top spot in Houston’s farm system rankings, but he also fast-tracked himself to a starting role with the big league club. The Cubs still did what they needed to in acquiring Kyle Tucker, but they also had an abundance of other prospects they could’ve sent Houston’s way. In their defense, no one could’ve really forecasted Smith’s meteoric rise.
Cam Smith’s electric Spring
Smith was legitimately one of the best hitters in baseball this spring, and not just among prospects. In 43 plate appearances, he hit four home runs and posted a slash line of .342/.419/.711 - good for 1.129 OPS and a 185 wRC+. On top of his impressive showing at the plate, Smith got the opportunity to move around in the field which was likely what gave the Astros the flexibility to call him up. Smith was drafted as a third baseman, but had shown a feel for defense in the outfield which is where he will seemingly fit into the big league lineup for now. Given how well he has looked through his first stint in pro ball and against Major League talent in Spring Training, it’s hard to leave Smith out of any American League Rookie of the Year conversations. Wyatt Langford, whose rise to the big leagues follows the same path as Smith’s, ended up in the conversation for Rookie of the Year last year despite a rough start to his season. It can be done, and I’m excited to see what Smith can provide on the big stage in 2025.
