• Full name Burch Taylor Smith
  • Born 04/12/1990 in San Antonio, TX
  • Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Oklahoma
  • Debut 05/11/2013
  • Drafted in the 14th round (443rd overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2011 (signed for $250,000).
    View Draft Report
    The Indians selected Smith in each of the last two drafts, taking him in the 49th round in 2009 and in the 20th round a year ago. He'll go much higher this year after transferring from Howard (Texas) JC to Oklahoma, though he could have gone in the top three rounds in 2010 had he been more signable. Smith didn't pitch much until he was a high school senior, then served as the No. 4 starter on Howard's 2009 national championship team that went 65-1. Smith still isn't the most polished pitcher, but he throws 90-93 mph and reaches 95 with ease. He may find more velocity once he adds strength to his 6-foot-3, 192-pound frame. He's doing a better job of throwing strikes this year, though his control needs more work, as does the rest of his arsenal. He throws two breaking balls, with his slider ranking ahead of his curveball, and has exhibited some feel for his changeup. If Smith continues to develop, he could become a No. 3 starter with a quality fastball and solid control and secondary pitches.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Career Transactions

  • RHP Burch Smith assigned to Gigantes del Cibao.

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