The Houston Astros staged an emotional moment for their top prospect as they informed him that he would be making their Opening Day roster.
Astros manager Joe Espada informed third baseman Cam Smith that Smith was making the team out of spring camp. To do so, he actually called Smith’s family into the clubhouse to give him the news.
The Astros shared video of the moment on social media, as Smith broke down in tears as soon as he realized what was happening.
Smith added some further context to his emotional reaction after the announcement by telling reporters about the sacrifices his family had made for him.
“At one point, it was just me and (my mom) in the house,” Smith said while holding back tears. “She struggled to take me to baseball games and practice. I’m just happy to do it for her.”
Smith was acquired by the Astros this summer as part of the Kyle Tucker trade. The 22-year-old was thought to have little chance of making the team going into camp, but he forced the organization’s decision by hitting.342 and hitting four home runs in 15 spring games. Toward the end of spring training, the team gave him some time in right field, indicating that he will get some action early in the season as a fourth outfielder.
MLB.com ranks Smith as the 58th best baseball prospect overall. Prior to his promotion on Tuesday, he played just 32 games in the minor leagues after being selected by the Cubs with the 14th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
