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What to Expect from Astros Outfielder Cam Smith

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 7:22 PM ET

A year ago, Cam Smith was a fringe-Day 1 potential MLB Draft pick in the midst of a breakout stretch at Florida State. Now, the converted outfielder will make the Astros’ Opening Day roster. Smith, acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade, will make Houston’s Opening Day roster per multiple reports. And, he’ll join a select group in doing so.

A Look at Smith

Cam Smith entered the 2024 season as one of the more curious prospects available. Smith posted the third-highest slugging percentage on the Seminoles as a freshman in 2023, then torched the Cape Cod League. Smith hit .347 with six home runs, leaving Massachussetts as a name to watch heading into 2024.

However, one major issue with Smith was an extremely long swing. The 22-year-old struck out 66 times over 51 games, complicating the issue of trying to figure out what his hit tool would ultimately be. Smith, though, made adjustments between 2023 and 2024, shortening it up and seeing big results.

Smith slashed .387/.488/.654 (1.142 OPS) with the Seminoles last season, along with 16 home runs and 39 extra-base hits. That performance got Smith drafted 14th overall by the Cubs. He continued his torrid pace, as he belted seven home runs over 32 games. Smith made it all the way to Double-A.

The young right-handed bat broke down his new swing in June 2024, stating that it’s all about keeping everything simple. Smith will have some twitchy hand movement, what he said is a timing mechanism.

The Astros acquired Smith in December via the trade that sent Kyle Tucker to Chicago. Despite just five games above High-A, Smith made it very difficult for the Astros to send him down.

During the spring action, Smith was among the Astros’ best hitters. Smith slashed .342/.419/.711 (1.130 OPS) with four home runs and five extra-base hits. However, not all of his hits were “bullets.” Only two were considered either a barrel or solid contact.

CAM SMITH HR SPRING 2025 Via New Baseball Media

Smith played at third base while at FSU. But with Isaac Paredes at third, the Astros played Smith in right field to open up a lane for him to make the Opening Day roster.

Analysis

For the second-straight season, a former first-round pick and college standout from a year earlier will make his MLB debut on Opening Day. Smith joins Wyatt Langford, John Olerud, and Pete Incaviglia as college hitters to race up to the Majors with few games played in the Minors.

And, all three players involved in the Tucker trade — Hayden Wesneski is also active — will be on Houston’s Opening Day roster.

Smith will be a very interesting name to watch. He’s got easy above-average natural power, which he showed with earnest at Florida State. However, how much home run power he’ll have remains to be seen.

Given the fact he’s a right-handed bat in Houston, Smith stands a good chance at being at least a 20-home run hitter. However, he showed a penchant for not getting too pull-happy, often going with pitches the other way if that’s what was given to Smith.

Nonetheless, his ability to hit makes the 22-year-old an exciting prospect.

Fantasy Impact

Smith is intriguing in mixed leagues for a few reasons. One, the power. Two, his hitting ability. Three, the fact that Smith — listed as a third baseman in Yahoo! — should also get an outfield spot added to his position list.

The 22-year-old is a viable option in mixed leagues.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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