After playing just 32 games in the minor leagues and being asked to learn a new position this spring, Cam Smith was a longshot to make the Houston Astros’ opening day roster.
But that was before he opened eyes with his bat early in camp and never stopped hitting. The 22-year-old was the centerpiece of the offseason trade that sent star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, but he was seen mostly as an important piece of the Astros future.
Instead, he’s now part of the present as the team’s opening day starter in Tucker’s old spot, right field.
In a touching moment, the Astros secretly invited Smith’s family to deliver the good news.
Astros manager Joe Espada gathered the players together before Tuesday’s exhibition game in Houston for a special announcement.
“I always said if someone tells me, ‘Joe, you’re going to the big leagues, who would be the first person you would call?” he said as Smith’s mother, Stephanie Hocza, walked in.
“So Cam, do you know why we’re here?” asked Hocza, who was accompanied by family members including his grandmother and stepdad. “You made the roster.”
Smith’s tearful reaction was priceless.
Who is Cam Smith?
Smith was the Cubs’ first-round pick (14th overall) in last year’s draft after he starred as a third baseman at Florida State.
But when the Astros made Tucker, a three-time All-Star, available on the trade market, the Cubs were willing to send Smith, third baseman Isaac Paredes and pitcher Hayden Wesneski to Houston.
Smith destroyed Grapefruit League pitching this spring with a .342/.419/.711 slash line in 43 plate appearances — essentially hitting his way onto the Astros roster, while at the same time adapting to a new position in the outfield.
‘I always thought it was possible,’ Smith later told reporters. ‘I had a great group of guys to help me out to get here today. I always thought it was a possibility for it to happen. And we’re here today talking about it now. So I’m very blessed.’