Hagen

Smith

Smith is the notable inclusion here after an impressive Cactus League outings against the division-rival Royals over the weekend where he struck out five over two scoreless innings. The 22-year-old southpaw projects as an impactful fantasy contributor once he reaches the majors based on his stratospheric strikeouts rates throughout his career.

Smith, the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, handed out one walk and needed just 30 pitches (18 strikes) to spin a pair of frames in this one. The 22-year-old lefty profiles as an impact fantasy arm once he ascends to the majors based on his sky-high strikeout rates. He’ll gain some additional seasoning in the upper minors to open the year but there’s a chance he reaches the big leagues at some point in the second half.

The fifth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Smith posted a 2.57 ERA and .143 BAA with 21 strikeouts over 14 innings in AFL action. Some elbow soreness and mechanical issues limited Smith’s workload in 2025, but his talent was on full display in Arizona. He should begin the season in Double-A, but could emerge as an option for the White Sox in the second half if he pitches well enough.

The fifth overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft was limited to just 20 starts this past season at Double-A Birmingham due to elbow soreness and mechanical issues that resulted in massive command problems. He’s posted a strong 16/5 K/BB ratio across nine innings over three starts this fall. The 22-year-old southpaw was a strikeout machine during his final collegiate season at Arkansas where he set a Division I record with 17.3 strikeouts per nine innings. His premium fastball velocity and deadly slider will give him immediate fantasy relevance once he reaches the big leagues. It’ll be his ability to command his formidable stuff that’ll determine how high his fantasy ceiling extends.

The fifth-overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, Smith has looked mostly unhittable in the early portion of the year at the Double-A level, posting a strong 2.63 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 25/10 K/BB ratio across 13 2/3 innings (four starts). The 21-year-old lefty figures to move quickly and offers big-time strikeout upside, which makes him one of the premier pitching prospects in the fantasy landscape. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he reaches the majors later this year.

Smith generated 14 swinging strikes, according to Statcast. The four walks were the lone bugaboo in an otherwise stellar season debut. The 21-year-old southpaw put up stratospheric strikeout totals throughout his collegiate career and is already among the top pitching prospects in baseball. He has a real shot to reach the majors by the end of the year, if everything comes together.