A catcher and infielder at Florida, Smith handled the backstop duties for the Gators in 53 games as a sophomore, but this spring made his starts at first base, second base and third base. Evaluators are split on his true defensive talent behind the plate, with some seeing him as a well below-average defender, while others have praised his receiving skills, game-calling ability and the way he works with a pitching staff. Smith has average arm strength. Offensively, there are real questions about Smith’s bat, as he is a career .257/.350/.394 hitter with Florida and a .288/.381/.417 hitter over two summers in the Cape Cod League. He does have average raw power but hasn’t ever consistently tapped into it. If a team believes Smith can catch long term, he brings some value behind the plate, but he’s a below-average defender in the infield and it will be more difficult for him to profile at either of the corners as well.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone