Astros Rookie Outfielder Bounces Back at Plate After Early Struggles

The Houston Astros young offensive star is starting to find his footing at the plate after a slow start to the campaign.

May 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) reacts after hitting a double against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

For the next few years, the Houston Astros' decision to trade away Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs will be one of the most talked about subjects surrounding the team.

The early returns on the deal have been mixed, but one young star is beginning to find his footing in the Majors and could help this trade look much better: right fielder Cam Smith.

Smith was the centerpiece of the deal after playing just 32 games as a professional. He was the Cubs' No. 14 overall selection in the 2024 MLB draft from the Florida State Seminoles.

He really broke into stardom in spring training, forcing the Astros' hand into getting him onto the Opening Day roster. They moved him to right field for the first time in his career and that was the major concern around him.

How Cam Smith is Turning Things Around at Plate

To many people's surprise, he was a fantastic defensive presence almost immediately, but has taken a while to get going on offense.

Over his first 24 games, he posted a .205/.303/.359 slash line with just three home runs. It felt like when he started the day off well, the game would end up being great. Consistency was just a huge issue.

The hype has started to die down from spring training, which isn't uncommon after a quarter of the season has gone by. With some of the eyes being off of him, though, he has started to turn a corner at the plate.

Over the last 15 days, Smith has posted a .333/.421/.424 slash line. He hasn't hit a home run in over a month and is still striking out a good bit, but everything else has looked much better.

One big change is that he has already drawn as many walks as he did in all of April.

During Monday's game, the 22-year-old drilled a RBI double that came off the bat at 112.8 mph. Per MLB.com's Brian Murphy, that was over full two MPH faster than his previous high.

This RBI double in the second inning came off of Cam Smith's bat at 112.8 mph. That's the hardest-hit ball of the rookie's career, exceeding the previous mark by more than 2 mph (110.6 mph) pic.twitter.com/G8ivawDWob

— Brian Murphy (@Spokes_Murphy) May 19, 2025

At this time last season, Smith was trying to make a College World Series push for the Seminoles. It's easy to be disappointed by his slow start after his red-hot and exciting spring, but it is important to remember that he is super young into his career and is still showing some great flashes.

The youngster is up to a .243/.339/.378 slash line for his rookie campaign.

Tucker looks to be a perennial MVP candidate, but the return is looking promising.

Hayden Wesneski was just lost for the year to undergo Tommy John surgery, but Isaac Paredes has been one of the team's best offensive players.

Smith has the potential player acquired in the trade to make the biggest impact.