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Report: Blue Jays to Promote Prospect Kevin Smith
Another day, another call-up.
Infield prospect Kevin Smith will join the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday in Washington, per Sportsnet's Jamie Campbell.
In 82 triple-A games in 2021, Smith is posting a .286/.371/.576 slashline with 19 homers and 63 RBI. Ranked as MLB.com's No. 23 prospect in the Blue Jays organization, Smith would join Otto Lopez as the latest top Toronto prospect called up to the show.
Though Smith's power received just a 50-grade per MLB.com, it has played up in recent years. In his last season of organized ball before 2021, Smith hit just .209 with a .666 OPS, but has been slugging for the Buffalo Bisons this season.
When asked what the most underrated aspect of Smith's development has been earlier this year, Bisons manager Casey Candaele identified defense, calling Smith a "really strong shortstop," who can play all over the diamond.
"He's a good team guy, a great teammate," Candaele. "Plays the game the right way."
The 25-year-old was a fourth-round pick of the Blue Jays in the 2017 draft, bouncing up and down prospect rankings with volatile showings throughout the minor league levels. In 2018, his first full season of organized ball, Smith posted an .886 OPS across A and A+ with 25 total homers. Across all levels, Smith has spent time at first base, second, third, shortstop, and both corner outfield spots.
"Smith has a unique profile because, on top of his power, he’s also a good runner," his MLB.com scouting report reads, "and has one of the best infield throwing arms in the organization."
If officially promoted, the Blue Jays will have to clear a 40-man spot for Smith by placing someone on the 60-day IL or designating them for assignment.
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