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Hagen Smith's Strikeout Potential Warrants Stash Consideration
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith struck out another six batters in his latest start at Triple-A and allowed just one earned run on two hits, but his command issue reared it's head again, with the southpaw walking five batters, resulting in an exit after only 3 2/3 innings pitched (75 pitches). Chicago's fourth-ranked prospect has flashed strong strikeout potential over the last two seasons between Double-A and Triple-A, punching out 33.2 percent of batters faced, however, a gaudy 17.6 percent walk rate over that same period shows there is still work to be done. The former fifth-overall draft pick is limiting opponents to a .171 batting average, but a 3.90 ERA (4.16 FIP) and 13.8 percent K-BB% could delay his call-up to the majors. Even so, the 22-year-old is expected to make a debut at some point this season, and with his elite strikeout potential, the lefty should be viewed as one of the top prospect pitchers to stash.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
