HOUSTON (AP) — Cam Smith walked to the plate to a huge ovation from Houston Astros fans before hitting an opposite-field single on the first pitch he saw in the major leagues Thursday.
The 22-year-old prospect made his debut for the Astros against the New York Mets after playing just 32 minor league games. Batting seventh and starting in right field, he became the second-youngest Astros position player to make his MLB debut as a starter on opening day and the youngest since Rusty Staub was 19 in 1963.
With one on and one out in the second inning, Smith grounded a single to right field on a sinker from Clay Holmes to get his first big league hit in his initial plate appearance.
Most believed that Smith, the 14th overall pick in last year’s amateur draft, would need more time in the minors when he was acquired in December from the Chicago Cubs along with Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski as part of the Kyle Tucker trade.
Instead, Smith hit .342 with a triple, four homers, 11 RBIs and a 1.130 OPS this spring to earn a spot on the major league roster.
The Astros announced he’d make the big league roster earlier this week, with manager Joe Espada inviting Smith’s mother into the clubhouse to deliver the news. Video of the moment shared by the Astros captured the touching moment.
After the trade, Smith moved from third base, where Paredes is starting, to right field, where he replaced Tucker.
Photo: Houston Astros’ Cam Smith (11) reacts after hitting a single on his first Major League at-bat during the second inning of an opening-day baseball game against the New York Mets Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
