Just don’t expect the club’s top prospect to make the Opening Day roster.
Before the train gets off the track, let me state that I don’t think Cam Smith will make the Opening Day roster, even with another impressive performance in Grapefruit League play earlier on Monday. I mean, it is the Grapefruit League, and we’re only in early March. He only has seven total at-bats. The fact that he has four hits, including two home runs and a triple, is certainly encouraging, but it doesn’t mean he’s ready.
Unless…
Just kidding. For all intents and purposes, the Astros aren’t going to rush their top overall prospect, whom Dana Brown once described as an “aircraft carrier.” Smith has only 20 plate appearances in Double-A and not one in Triple-A. His primary position up to now has been third base. Isaac Paredes currently occupies that spot in the infield. The club also plans to give Smith some reps in the outfield in the coming weeks and months. They want to give him time to develop.
The question is how much more development Smith needs. If everything breaks right for him to start the season, there is certainly an alternate reality or two in which Smith could make an impact as early this summer for the Astros. They could, in theory, shift Paredes to second base and keep Smith at third, especially if the outfield is performing above expectations. Right field is another position to monitor, as any poor performance will only increase the fanfare surrounding Smith if the results are there.
After all, Brown isn’t hesitant to promote his top prospects with little to no experience beyond Double-A. Jake Bloss, who was traded to the Blue Jays last summer in the Yusei Kikuchi deal, only played in eight games at that level before Houston called him up to the active roster. That decision was partly a necessity given the state of the rotation at the time, but it also reflected how the organization viewed Bloss. You can envision a similar blueprint if Smith performs well and there is enough underperformance elsewhere.
Smith’s journey through Houston’s farm system will be an intriguing subplot in the upcoming 2025 season. He has the traits and potential in place to be successful. Of course, his performance in the minors will greatly dictate his timeline. Smith will need a noticeably strong start to the season to be included in the conversation for a potential promotion to Houston. The roster, although changed, isn’t a rebuilding one. His progression in the outfield will also likely impact the timing of his arrival. But Smith’s play in Spring Training thus far has only increased the excitement surrounding his rising status.