Next Guys Up: Kevin Smith

In the fourth round of the 2017 MLB draft, the Blue Jays selected infielder Kevin Smith out of the University of Maryland. Smith is currently 23 years old, and last played in AA New Hampshire, the highest level he has reached. After a strong 2018, he looked like one of the organization's top prospects, but a weak 2019 has put that in question. Had he continued on his 2018 trajectory, he very well could’ve been a member of the 40 man roster, and possibly even the active roster this season. Instead, he finds himself having to prove his potential all over again in an organization full of young infield talent.

2018 was a complete breakout year for the young shortstop. In his age 21 season (first full pro season) he played between single A and advanced A, with a combined .302 average. In A ball, he hit for an incredible .355 average with an OBP over .400, alongside 7 home runs in 204 at bats, showing all around talent. Upon his arrival to advanced A, his average dipped to .274, but he showed some pop with a huge power surge, hitting 18 home runs in 371 at bats. Although he wasn’t anything special on defense with a .963 fielding percentage, his offense allowed him to climb way up in the organizational prospect rankings. 2019 was a different story however.

Smith found himself in a year-long slump in 2019. Despite reaching AA, he only hit for a .209 average with an OBP of .263, a career low (including his college years). Fortunately his power was still present with 19 home runs in 430 at bats, but there was a clear and concerning decline all around.

In 2020, Smith looks to reclaim his elite prospect status. It is unlikely he makes the team this season, but it will be a critical year for his development. If he gets a handle on his once strong contact abilities, he might make a big jump in the organization. Long term plans for him are unclear with the infield as crowded as it is, so he really has to stand out to get the opportunity to become something in Toronto one day.