Spring Training wraps up. It’s an exciting time when baseball teams decide who makes the team for the new season. The Houston Astros made some big news this year. They announced that one of their best young players is jumping straight to the big leagues!
The Astros announced their team on March 25th using their website and social media. Fans were eager to see familiar stars like Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, and Yordan Alvarez. Framber Valdez will be the starting pitcher on Opening Day again. Some new players made the team too, like Zach Dezenzo, who played well in practice games. But the biggest news was about Cam Smith. He’s the main young player the Astros got when they traded Kyle Tucker. It’s amazing because Smith only played 32 games in the minor leagues before getting this chance.
Baseball expert Xavier Scruggs talked about how big this is. On MLB Network Radio, Scruggs said he was really impressed by Smith. “He deserved to make this team like what he did in spring training… he earned this spot,” Scruggs said. He also mentioned the nice moment when Smith’s mom surprised him with the news. Scruggs pointed out that making the Astros team is extra special because they are always trying to win championships. “This is the Houston Astros,” he said, showing how much Smith achieved.
Cam Smith making the Astros Opening Day roster was an emotional moment for all involved.@astros | #BuiltForThis | #OpeningDay
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/ea25bxGd8k
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 26, 2025
Everyone at the Astros organization seems excited about Smith. Manager Joe Espada loved how Smith found out from his mom, calling it a special “family moment” and adding, “I think she raised an incredible kid.” Team legend Jeff Bagwell explained the high bar Smith had to clear, saying he told the prospect to “‘make us do something with you.’ And… Cam is starting to make us do something,” showing Smith’s great play forced their hand. Veteran player Mauricio Dubon was also among those supporting Smith joining the team. And Smith himself feels prepared, stating clearly, “I’m confident and I’m ready.” This unified support really shows the whole team believes in him.
However, why did Scruggs say Smith earned it? Because Smith played great in the spring practice games. He didn’t just barely make it; he wowed everyone by hitting .342. That’s a really good average. He also hit 4 home runs and brought in 11 runs for the team. Playing so well against tough pitchers showed Scruggs and the Astros bosses that Smith was ready. He proved he deserved his spot on the team, even though he hadn’t played much pro baseball before.
Astros’ new star Cam Smith’s rookie year anticipation
Smith has been a great player for a long time. When he was in high school in Florida, he was already very good. In his last year there (2022), he hit .435, hit 6 home runs, and got 32 RBIs. He even won a big award for being the best player in the area. This early success showed that Smith had the talent to be a star later on.
He kept playing well in college at Florida State University. His second year there (2024) was amazing – he hit .387 with 16 home runs! He even got better at choosing which pitches to swing at. Smith also played great in a special summer league for top college players and won an award there too. Because he was so good, the Chicago Cubs chose him early in the 2024 baseball draft. Then, in just 32 games for the Cubs’ lower-level teams, he hit .313 with 7 home runs. He even hit home runs in six games in a row at one point!
Then, Smith’s path changed in a big way during the offseason. The Astros traded away their star player, Kyle Tucker, to the Chicago Cubs. Tucker was going to be able to leave the team soon, and maybe cost too much money. So, the Astros made a deal. They sent Tucker to Chicago and got Smith, plus two other players (Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski). Smith was the most important player Houston got back in the trade, replacing the popular Tucker.
Other teams also had young players make their rosters this spring. Kristian Campbell made the Boston Red Sox mostly because of his good defense, even though he didn’t hit for a high average (.167). Pitcher Ryan Johnson made the Los Angeles Angels because he throws very fast (97 mph), even though he never played in the minor leagues. While those players showed good skills, Smith’s fantastic hitting during spring practice really made him stand out among the rookies getting their shot.
So, Cam Smith making the Astros’ Opening Day team is a big success story. The Astros clearly believe in him as well. How well do you think Cam Smith will play in his first year in the big leagues?
The post “Earned His Spot” – Astros’ 22YO Phenom’s Opening Day Roster Spot Sparks High Praise as He Delivers Emotional Tribute to Family appeared first on EssentiallySports.
