The Astros are sailing on an “aircraft carrier” this year. Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, the biggest two brands of the Astros, are no more with the team. Does that mean the team will be deprived of home runs? Here comes 22-year-old Cam Smith. Going by his numbers in the ongoing spring season, the Astros are all set to gamble on him. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound slugger sent a clear message with those two home runs—this is just the beginning. GM Dana Brown didn’t mince words, calling Smith an “aircraft carrier.” If he’s right, Houston might just have found its next big star.

Cam Smith is no stranger to Diamond Park. During his 32 games with the Cubs’ affiliates last year, he slashed .313/.396/.609 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, and two stolen bases. With that 6-foot-3, 224-pound athletic body, Cam Smith is an intimidating presence on the field, delivering ample damage at the plate. Thus, all credit goes to the Astros’ scouts for getting Smith, along with Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski, from the Cubs. However, is it too soon to declare Smith a future star? What’s so special about his spring season that leads all the talking?

Arriving as a mid-game replacement and hitting two home runs in two at-bats during the Astros’ 8-5 victory over the Mets is sufficient to earn the team recognition. Smith has an advantage over others due to his X-factor, even though spring training is all about trying out the prospects. Well, what’s that X-factor attached to Smith? His power is great, and good swing decisions are imperative. Both together are a rare combination. Now that the regular season is around the corner, is it safe enough for the team to field a newcomer directly at the biggest stage?

Where will Smith sit in the Astros’ lineup this year?

The Astros are surely all set to star this year with style. This includes fielding a new team that offers more athleticism on the field. A lean and mean Astros is what the fans are going to get this year. But what about Cam Smith? Will he be directly placed on the starting roster? Reportedly, he will spend this year in the minor, further honing his skills before making a splash in the major. The Astros are projected to field Isaac Paredes at 3B, and an injury might allow Smith to get to the action. 

The Astros got their ever-reliable Jose Altuve at 2B and Isaac Paredes at 3B. While Christian Walker was all set to charge at 1B, his recent oblique injury might shuffle the plan. The team might field Zach Dezenzo there, while Smith will be kept behind Paredes. This year, the Astros are trying to qualify for the playoffs for the tenth time in a row. After a horrifying start to the ’24 season, they cruised to an AL West title, ending their historic run of seven consecutive visits to the ALCS. The relatively new squad this year might be effective in getting to the postseason. 

The Astros have a third baseman to position behind Paredes this season. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Smith on the field this year, given the grueling MLB season that lies ahead.

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