“From Heartbreak to Triumph: Astros Prospect Cam Smith’s Emotional Journey to Making the Team”

That’s because Smith, 22, played just 32 games in the minors. He dominated the competition in those games, slashing .313/.396/.609, but most prospects need more than five games above Double-A before they are ready for the majors. That wasn’t the case for Smith, who hit .342/.419/.711 over 43 plate appearances in spring training. That was enough to convince the Astros he was one of the top 26 players in the organization.

When Smith debuts Thursday, he’ll be the first player from the 2024 MLB Draft to make it to the big leagues. He’ll also be the third-fastest position player to reach the majors, per MLB.com’s Jim Callis. Only Pete Incaviglia — zero games in the minors — and John Olerud — six games in the minors — reached the major leagues with less experience.

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