Russell
Smith

2021 MLB Draft: A 6-foot-9, 235-pound left-hander. Smith missed the 2019 campaign because of Tommy John surgery and returned last season. He was off to a terrific start with 27 strikeouts and just two walks through 21 innings before the shutdown, then logged 82.1 innings this year, fanning 101 batters and walking 20 while going 7-3 with a 3.83 ERA. He drives a 90-93 mph fastball down into the zone, producing good angle with a slightly cross-body landing and a 3/4 release. The competitive lefty also mixes in a slurvy, low-80s breaker and an average to better changeup that is firm in the mid-80s and thrown with good arm speed. He locates the slider particularly well to his glove side, on the outside corner against lefthanded hitters. The pitch also has some late tilt to it and can be very effective against right-handed hitters.

Six-foot-9, 235-pound left-hander. Smith tossed 5.1 innings, allowing just three hits and a run with five strikeouts. He drove his 90-93 mph fastball down into the zone, producing good angle with a slightly cross body landing and a three-quarter release point. The competitive lefty also mixed in a slurvy, low-80s breaker and an average to better firm changeup in the mid-80s that was thrown with good arm speed.

Keeps delivery simple, intact. Short stride for size. Easy, throws strikes. 87-89 fastball. 75-76 curveball. 80 changeup. 4 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K at Area Code Games.

Big frame at 6-foot-9, 229 pounds. His fastball ranged from 85-88 from a high-3/4 slot. He repeated his delivery well for his size early on, but lost his command in the third inning of work. He allowed four runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one. A Texas Christian recruit, he showed good feel for a changeup with fade at 79-80. His curveball was loopy with 1/7 shape.