Cam Smith Aims to Lift Astros to New Heights

The 22-year-old outfielder looks to build on an up-and-down rookie season in Houston.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Cam Smith, a key part of the trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, is looking to prove himself this spring training after an inconsistent rookie season with the Houston Astros. The former first-round pick surprised many by winning the starting right field job last year, but struggled with the day-to-day consistency required at the MLB level. Now, Smith will look to win a roster spot again, potentially in center field, as the Astros hope he can reach his immense potential and lift the team's ceiling.

Why it matters

The Astros have a talented roster, but Smith could be an X-factor that helps them keep pace with the rival Seattle Mariners in the AL West. If Smith performs up to his potential, he could provide a major boost to the Astros' lineup and outfield defense. However, if he continues to be inconsistent, Houston may find themselves a player short in their quest to return to the playoffs.

The details

Smith was a key part of the trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs prior to last season. He surprised many by winning the starting right field job in spring training, but had an up-and-down rookie campaign, slashing .236/.312/.358. This offseason, Smith has been working to make adjustments at the plate to better handle MLB pitching, and he'll also see time in center field during spring training as he looks to win a roster spot again.

  • Smith won the starting right field job last spring training.
  • In the 2025 season, Smith slashed .236/.312/.358 in his rookie campaign.

The players

Cam Smith

A 22-year-old outfielder who was a key part of the trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. Smith surprised many by winning the starting right field job last spring, but struggled with consistency at the MLB level in his rookie season.

Kyle Tucker

An outfielder who was traded from the Astros to the Cubs prior to the 2025 season, in a deal that brought Cam Smith to Houston.

Seattle Mariners

The Astros' rival in the AL West, who the team will need to keep pace with in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Smith knows a thing or two about the benefits of a strong spring. Last year, the former first-round pick forced his way onto Houston's roster, earning the nod as the starting right fielder after picking up the position earlier in camp. Fast forward a year and the 22-year-old enters his second Major League camp in a precarious spot on a roster rife with competition. He'll see some time in center field, which bears watching, as do any adjustments he makes at the plate to handle big league pitching after slashing .236/.312/.358 last year.”

— Jared Greenspan, MLB.com Writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

Smith will look to win a roster spot again this spring, potentially in center field, as he works to make adjustments at the plate to better handle MLB pitching.

The takeaway

Cam Smith's development will be a key storyline for the Astros this spring. If he can harness his immense potential and provide consistent production, he could be the X-factor that helps Houston keep pace with the rival Mariners in the AL West. However, if Smith continues to struggle with consistency, the Astros may find themselves a player short in their quest to return to the playoffs.