The Houston Astros sent shockwaves through the MLB world when they traded star RF Kyle Tucker to the Cubs over the offseason for a package headlined by Isaac Paredes and Chicago’s top prospect, Cam Smith.
At only 22 years old, Smith’s resume boasts just 32 games of professional baseball experience. Following a stellar spring training, though, the young talent is expected to make his MLB debut on Opening Day as the Astros’ starting right fielder.
Cam Smith made the Astros’ Opening Day roster, sources tell @TheAthletic. The 22-year-old phenom and centerpiece of the Kyle Tucker trade played just 32 minor-league games prior to his promotion
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 25, 2025
While most of Smith’s baseball career has come at third base, the Astros have deployed him in right field — Tucker’s old position — in an effort to get him everyday at-bats. Their reasoning for the move? He slashed .342/.419/.711 during his 38 spring training plate appearances. As if the slash line isn’t impressive enough, Smith quickly garnered significant attention with four home runs and 11 RBI in that sample.
His rapid ascension to the majors is mostly unprecedented. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Smith is the third-quickest position player in the Draft Era (since 1965) to make a team’s Opening Day Roster.
Ranked as the No. 58 prospect by MLB pipeline, Smith batted .313 and .333 at the A and A+ levels last season before making his way to the Cubs’ AA affiliate. He only logged 19 at-bats at the AA level, but hit .263 with three RBI and two triples in that limited sample.
Fantasy baseball impact
Smith is certainly a name to watch as a potential sleeper entering the fantasy baseball season. His spring training run for Houston is eye-popping and earned attention from both teammates and media alike, and it was rumored for multiple weeks that Smith could see a promotion to the major-league roster thanks to his impressive play. With the decision now made, it’s up to the 22-year-old to prove he belongs — it’s clear he has the tools to succeed at this level, though.
Smith has an average ADP of 208 in DraftKings fantasy contests, and while he likely won’t perform at the same level seen in spring training, he brings some potential value to the table in drafts. In best ball formats, he could be a real asset for managers. For the time being, Smith is still classified as a third baseman in contests, which is subject to change with time.
As for what he brings to the table in DFS contests, players looking for a cheap option can put Smith into their lineups at just a $2,400 salary. For those who believe in his talent and recent form, he could be a potential contest-winner as the season opens.
