Cam Smith, a promising 22-year-old slugger, has made the Houston Astros’ Opening Day roster after being traded from the Chicago Cubs in a blockbuster deal involving All-Star Kyle Tucker. This news came just before the Astros’ exhibition game against their Triple-A team.
In a heartwarming moment captured on video, Astros manager Joe Espada announced Smith’s selection to the players, surprising him with the presence of his mother. “I always thought it was possible,” a visibly emotional Smith shared. He reflected on the sacrifices his mother made to support his baseball journey, saying, “I’m just happy to do it for her.”
Smith’s rise to the big leagues is remarkable. He played only 32 games in the minors last season after being drafted 14th overall by the Cubs in July. According to MLB.com, this is one of the fastest ascents to the majors, only behind Pete Incaviglia and John Olerud, who debuted with zero and six minor league games, respectively.
This spring, Smith showcased his talent by hitting .342 with four home runs. After a standout performance last summer, where he hit six home runs across six consecutive Single-A games, the Cubs traded him to the Astros. The addition of third baseman Isaac Paredes allowed Smith to shift to the outfield, paving the way for his debut.
Espada expressed his excitement about younger players like Smith stepping up, saying the team is in a creative phase, trying new strategies. “It’s super exciting to see young players showcasing themselves,” he noted.
Smith’s potential debut on Opening Day against the New York Mets could mark him as the second-youngest Astros position player to start on that day, the youngest being Rusty Staub in 1963. When asked about managing expectations for his transition to the majors, Smith kept it simple: “I’m just playing ball. I’m playing free.”
As fans eagerly await his debut, it’s clear that Cam Smith represents not just personal triumph but also the Astros’ exciting future.
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