Cam Smith Makes Astros' Opening Day Roster After Cubs Trade; Played in 32 MiLB Games

Cam Smith is making the jump to the majors after playing just 32 minor league games.

Per The Athletic's Chandler Rome, Smith will start in right field in the Houston Astros' Opening Day game against the New York Mets.

The Astros informed Smith of the decision on Tuesday before an exhibition against their Triple-A affiliate, bringing out Smith's mother for an emotional call up.

Smith reflected on the moment afterward, expressing how special it was for his mother to deliver the news to him.

"At one point, it was just me and her in the house," he said. "She struggled to take me to baseball games and practice. I’m just happy to do it for her.”

Smith, 22, joined the Astros this offseason as part of the trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski.

He was the 14th overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Florida State and has since soared up the MLB prospect rankings. Across his 32 minor league games last season, Smith recorded seven home runs and 24 RBI with a .313 batting average and 1.005 OPS.

He's also had a phenomenal spring training with four home runs and 11 RBI with a .342 average and 1.130 OPS.

MLB.com noted that Smith's 32 games are the third-fewest played by a position player before reaching the majors. Texas Rangers' Pete Incaviglia in 1986 (zero games) and Toronto Blue Jays' John Olerud in 1990 (six games) are the only players to reach the majors faster than Smith.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers noted that Smith will be the second-youngest Astros position player to make his MLB debut as a starter on Opening Day should he start against the Mets on Thursday.