Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | BAL | LHP | 24 | 40 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | SL | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 45 | 40 | 40 | 50/40 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Jake Boes
Age: 24 yr
Height: 6-5
Weight: 200 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/L
Acquired: 2018 Draft - Round 7, NYM
RuleV: 2021
Physical Description: Tall, imposing frame near physical projection; well-proportioned with long arms, high waist, and thick thighs and legs. Better athlete than average for his size; moves well on the mound.
Delivery & Mechanics: Works quickly from a 3/4 arm slot with moderate effort; crossfire action. Body starts facing the away dugout; repeats well from the windup; high leg kick and slight hitch after hand break yield deception. Falls off toward third base despite landing on the first base side of the rubber. Motion is more conventional from the stretch.
Fastball: 88-90 t91 with cutting action; not as powerful as frame would suggest; finesse and feel pitch with inconsistent command. Not afraid to go inside to right-handed hitters; used primarily in the bottom third of the zone. Gets flat when left up. Despite below average velocity band, movement and deception allow the pitch to play fringy. Grade: 45
Slider: 80-83 with slurvy movement. Flashes average but sits below average; lacks consistent shape and feel. Generates swings and misses at the bottom of the zone; misses are mostly horizontal. Gets hand under the pitch occasionally, causing the pitch to lack bite. Grade: 40
Changeup: Below average flashing above-average at 83-84; overlaps slider velocity at times; straight change with limited movement. Slows arm slightly; shows ability to throw for strikes. Lacks conviction; designed to keep hitters honest against the fastball. Grade: 40
Control and Command: Average control with below average command; crossfire delivery hinders ability to consistently fill the zone and hit the glove. Changeup used rarely, especially deep in counts. Relief future possible considering heavy two-pitch mix. Control: 50 | Command: 40
Overall: Despite his tall, workhorse frame, Smith's stuff doesn't match the physicality he displays on the mound. Considering his deception and arm slot, a relief future may be the best long-term role; however, if he can find some movement and feel on his changeup, it may allow his sneaky fastball to play as a starter. More than likely, it is a long relief or low-leverage option out of the bullpen.
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Long/low leverage reliever/spot starter
Risk: High
