AL West: 2026 Spring training questions

For the first full week of PT TOMORROW coverage, we asked authors to focus on one specific question per team as spring training begins. 

 

Houston Astros

Can Cam Smith improve his plate discipline and become an everyday player in the Astros outfield?

Last spring, Cam Smith was the talk of the Astros camp. The then-22-year-old wowed the team and earned a roster spot. 2025 did not go well for Smith, as he hit .236 with nine home runs and eight steals, and eventually became a platoon bat. Smith was the 1st round pick for the Cubs in 2024 and came over in the Kyle Tucker trade, so there was not a lot of experience at the professional level.

Throughout three stops in the minors in 2024 (Low-A, High-A, and Double-A), Smith hit .313 with seven...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Shane Drohan may be the most intriguing piece in the return for Caleb Durbin
Mar 13 2026 3:05am
Top Twins prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will start 2026 at Triple-A, but seem likely to get a call-up at some point this season. Plus, saves in CHW, the Guardians' middle infield, an unknown Tiger, and Starling Marte and Lane Thomas in KC.
Mar 12 2026 3:05am
Top to bottom, the Washington Nationals have one of the youngest—and most high-variance—teams in baseball. Plus: SP in MIA; Profar fallout in ATL; C at NYM; RP in PHI; more.
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
With Jeremy Peña suffering a finger injury, the Astros may be shuffling things up in the infield to start the season.
Mar 11 2026 8:10am
Max Scherzer is among several AL East pitchers whose recent returns to the mound could have ripple effects on their team's rotation plans.
Mar 10 2026 3:05am

Tools