“Yeah, Cam Smith rules!” This is what an MLB insider, Tyler Stafford, spoke about the impressive Cam Smith. As the spring season continues, the rookie Cam Smith is the breakaway star from the Kyle Tucker trade. The Astros got Cam Smith and Isaac Paredes by trading Tucker to the Cubs. While Paredes was going as expected and was all set to receive at 3B, Smith’s performance was not on the syllabus. The way he is hitting around the park in these 5 games in the spring training, an opening day call is still on. However, is it too early for Smith to get into the opening roster?
Well, spring game figures shouldn’t be the only criteria for judging a player, but Smith’s ridiculous hitting is forcing the Astros to think otherwise. For those unaware, the 22-year-old slugger started 51 games as a freshman at Florida in 2023, hitting .258/.326/.517 with 209 at-bats, 12 home runs, and 36 RBI. Now, those are pretty numbers, right?
He finished at Double-A in 2024 after slashing .313/.396/.609 with seven homers and 24 RBI in 32 minor league games ranging from Low-A to High-A. Enough numbers to begin a career in the major league. The Astros have a talent in their hands.
“You can pencil this guy in as being in the big leagues by the end of the year.”@TylerCStafford breaks down Cam Smith’s performance in Spring Training. pic.twitter.com/eCFqtPsqEF
— Crush City Territory (@Crush_City_Pod) March 4, 2025
However, is this enough to break into the starting rotation?
“I think we have seen enough to say that you can pencil this guy in as being in the big leagues by the end of the year, next year. Again, who’s going to know what’s it gonna be career-wise, but sometimes you have top prospects and it’s like they are so far away, that you’re not even really caring,” said MLB insider Tyler Stafford in a podcast with Crush City Territory.
In 2025, the Astros’ top prospect is killing it in spring training. Smith has amassed an absurd slash line of .571/.727/1.714 in just five spring training games. This is excellent for an OPS of 2.442 with two home runs, four singles, and four walks in just 11 plate appearances overall. Well, a dream debut for a rookie in the major.
There is confusion regarding his place, but fans cannot shut down the talent. The guy loves the spotlight!
A possible start in the minor for Smith
While Cam Smith proves to be a lethal weapon for the Astros, will he be seen in the opening day roster? “I don’t like to look too far ahead,” said Smith about his next goal. Yes, a rookie with limited exposure in the minor surely needs to look to develop further rather than targeting the main roster.
Even if he keeps hitting like this throughout the spring, Smith will probably start the season in Double-A. He must keep proving it and bite some more dust before getting in the major. Having said that, there is no denying the guy is far ahead of Houston’s expectations at this point.
As said by Stafford, while this opening day might be a rush for Cam Smith, a place in the next year is very much on the card. Considering how he is getting grilled in the minor in 2025, an active roster next year is all for Smith to make a breakthrough. Well, five spring games are much less of a sample to judge a player. Smith has been hitting at an absurd pace. It automatically gives Houston something to think about.
This year, the Astros have someone to place behind Paredes at the third base. Given the long and challenging MLB season ahead, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith on the team this year.
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