Jake Smith

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #260 prospect in 2021 draft
  Smith ranked as a top 200 member of the 2020 class out of junior college a year ago but went undrafted and made his way to Miami, where he pitched to a 3.45 ERA in 47 innings, with 63 strikeouts (12.1 K/9) and 14 walks (2.7 BB/9). Smith was used out of the bullpen for most of the season but transitioned to a starting role in April, where he was largely successful outside of a regional matchup against South Florida where he allowed five hits and five earned runs in just 3.1 innings. Smith has a three-pitch mix led by a fastball that sits in the 92-94 mph range and has touched 98 this spring. His slider is his best secondary, a low-to-mid-80s breaker that has shown above-average potential with solid tilt when he hits on it and keeps it down. His third pitch is a firm, upper-80s changeup that he doesn’t go to often but features solid fade and drop to the arm side. Smith has a bit of a funky arm action with a bit of effort in his finish, but he’s thrown enough strikes to warrant a shot at starting at the next level.
• Ranked #146 prospect in 2020 draft
  The Phillies drafted Smith out of Chapel Hill (N.C.) High in 2018, but the righthander opted to go to school, where he’s significantly raised his draft stock this spring as a sophomore with State JC of Florida. Smith has a good combination of remaining projection and present stuff, with a fastball that’s gotten up to 95-96 mph and a 6-foot-5, 180-pound frame that has room for more strength. In eight games and 40 innings this spring, Smith showed solid strike-throwing ability with 59 strikeouts to just eight walks, and evaluators believe some funk and deception in his delivery allows his heater—which sits around 93-94—to play up. Smith’s breaking ball isn’t quite as loud as his plus fastball now, but it’s an average offering now with a chance to get to above average in the future. Smith has good athleticism and his arm works well, giving him plenty of traits for pro teams to like, though if he still doesn’t want to sign in the draft, he could head to Miami next year and further improve his prospect status.