Former Cubs Prospect Expected To Make Roster With Astros
It’s not very often that a draft pick from just one season ago will begin his first full professional season at the Major League level. It is not, however, impossible, as 2024 first-round pick Cam Smith is expected to begin the season in the majors with the Houston Astros. Smith was drafted with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2024 draft by the Chicago Cubs. He was drafted out of Florida State, where he hit.387 with 16 home runs in his final season before being drafted. Smith lit it up in the minor leagues, hitting.313 across three levels.
His minor league season included a franchise record six straight games with a home run, and it was the longest streak in both the minor and major leagues in 2024. Smith was rewarded with a promotion to High-A South Bend and then Double-A Tennessee. Heading into the offseason, it looked like Smith would go into the season at Triple-A Iowa and get everyday at-bats with the Iowa Cubs.
Those plans came to a halt when he was included with Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski in a trade with the Houston Astros that sent superstar right fielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago. In spring training with his new team, Smith continued to tear the cover off the ball. He has a.423 batting average with three home runs so far, and according to Will Kunkel, the 22-year-old has a “good” chance to make the Opening Day roster of the Astros. If that stands true, Smith would be the first player from the 2024 Draft to appear in the major leagues. Related:
Chicago Cubs Could Make Surprising Starting Rotation Decision Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved This story was originally published March 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Take Us With You Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.
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