Name: Kevin Smith
Position: LHP
Age as of 6/30/20: 23
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Current Grade: 40
Future Grade: 45
Ceiling Grade: 50
Most Likely Future Role: Swing starter, left-handed reliever
Ceiling: 4th/5th starter
Career Stats
Quick Scouting Report Update: A 7th round selection in the 2018 draft by the New York Mets, this left-hander was acquired by the Orioles along with 17-year old SS Victor González for reliever Miguel Castro at the trading deadline this year. Rated as high as the #9 prospect in the Mets organization by some publications, Smith is a 6-foot-5 lefty that mainly uses a two pitch assortment of a 88-92 MPH fastball and slider that has been his out pitch in the minors. His third pitch is a straight change (83-84) that will be a big determination on whether he can stick as a starter.
He’s a bit of a low ceiling strike thrower who will need to prove his stuff will play at the major league level since it’s not certain what his out pitch will be. His slider was his best pitch in 2019, but has more horizontal movement than depth. Not sure how that will play at the major league level, especially against righties.
His slider though does give him a good left on left offering so he could have a floor of a Paul Fry type reliever. He reportedly has some decent spin rates on his fastball so if he can develop that changeup, improve the depth on the slider he might be able to stick as a 5th starter at the major league level.
