Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mid | TEX | SS | 7 | 45 |
| 2021 | NYY | SS | 11 | 45 |
Grades Update: Jan 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 40 | 55 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 50 |
Jan 2021 Report
Evaluator: Mike Kinsela
Age: 23 yr
Height: 5-10
Weight: 172 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/R
Acquired: 2019 Draft, Round 2
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: Slender, compact build with wiry strength throughout and some stockiness to lower half, solid-average athleticism with some projection remaining on frame.
Hit: Smith was drafted highly on the strength of his hit tool and collectively quality other tools, but the bat is still carrying tool. It's a clean, direct stroke from the left side of the plate that handles velocity well and carries very good lag through the zone, with above-average bat speed, good plate coverage, and a quality approach strengthening the overall tool. Grade: 55
Power: Somewhat in spite of his smaller frame, Smith has solid-average raw power with the ability to loft the ball out pull-side and pepper the gaps to all fields. There's a good amount of extra base upside here along with potentially average home run power, but realistically he'll settle into the 12-15 HR range annually with plenty of doubles. Grade: 50
Field: Smith played a very solid shortstop for LSU and has the tools to potentially play there long term, though most evaluators feel that his best defensive home long term to be second base. His hands, feet, and athleticism all grade out above-average defensively, but he does not come with that explosive range or arm strength that high-level shortstops generally have. He should be a solid-to-above average second baseman. Grade: 55
Arm: It's solid-average raw arm strength that on the whole grades in the 50-55 range given the quickness of release, his internal timer, and the consistent accuracy he displays. This is likely something along the lines of a 45-50 tool from shortstop and a 50-55 tool from second base, so for the sake of projection we'll stick with a solid 5. Grade: 50
Run: Smith is a solid-average athlete who moves well regardless of where he is, but isn't explosively twitchy or a burner in the speed sense. He's clocked plus times down the line in the past but generally is a 50-55 runner whose speed plays up on the basepaths in part due to his excellent instincts, and he should be a double-digit stolen base threat. Grade: 50
Overall: Smith is a steady, high-floor college infielder who performed in the best amateur league in the sport with the bat and is a good bet to hit at the big league level. He's got the upside of a solid starter or very good bench player, who could conceivably play all over the infield in a super utility role. The bat and defensive steadiness should carry him and both help alleviate risk.
OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Below-Average Player: Bench or Platoon
Risk: Moderate
