2024 MLB Draft Profile: Hagen Smith

Hector Rodriguez · April 9, 2024

Could the Miami Marlins use their upcoming first-round draft pick to add yet another talented lefty arm to the organization?

Overview

Position: LHP

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 225 pounds

School: Arkansas

Hagen Smith is a 6’3”, 225-pound left-handed pitcher who plays for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Smith is one of the top prospects in the 2024 MLB Draft class and might be the No. 1 draft-eligible left-hander.

Coming out of high school, Smith was one of the highest-ranked prospects in the Class of 2021. On Perfect Game, Smith was the 71st-ranked recruit and the twelfth-ranked left-handed pitcher in his class. Smith went undrafted and honored his commitment to Arkansas.

In his freshman season, Smith became one of the starting pitchers in Arkansas’ weekend rotation. Smith made 20 appearances and started in 15 games. He posted a 7-2 record with a 4.66 ERA, two saves, and struck out 90 batters in 77 ⅓ innings pitched. Smith was named a Freshman All-American and selected to the Freshman All-SEC team.

As a sophomore, Smith had a breakout season for the Razorbacks. Smith pitched in 18 games (eleven starts). He posted an 8-2 record with a 3.64 ERA, two saves, and 109 strikeouts in 72 ⅓ innings pitched. He was either named a First Team All-American.

Here in 2024, Smith might be having the best season of any pitcher in college baseball. Smith has started in eight games, posting a 6-0 record with a 1.76 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched. Smith also has an 18.2 K/9, which leads the nation.

On the mound, Smith possesses a three-pitch mix that includes two elite pitches. His fastball sits 93-95 mph and tops out at 98 mph. Smith also has one of the best sliders in this draft class that’s devastating versus left-handed hitters. He also has some feel for his splitter.

Strengths

Two elite pitches
Power fastball
Creates a ton of swing-and-miss
Slider misses barrels
Best K/9 in the NCAA

Weaknesses

Needs to improve his control
Struggles to locate his splitter
Needs to show more consistency

Pro Comparison: Jesús Luzardo

Projection: Top 15 pick

Bottom Line

Left-hander Hagen Smith has been outstanding on the mound this season. The ability he's shown in college should allow him to immediately become one of MLB's best pitching prospects.

Smith could end up being a top-ten selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, according to mock drafts from major industry outlets. The Marlins have the 16th pick, which means their chances of selecting him aren’t high, but he is still worth monitoring throughout this draft cycle just in case he falls further than projected.

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