James
Smith IV is a right-handed pitcher and outfielder from the University of
Memphis, selected by the New York Mets in the 14th round (433rd overall) of the
2025 MLB Draft on July 14, 2025.
A 6-foot-5, 185-pound junior
from Olive Branch, Mississippi, Smith is a two-way player who excelled as both
a center fielder and pitcher. He was named to the 2025 John Olerud Two-Way
Player of the Year Award Watch List on April 15, 2025, highlighting his
dual-threat ability. Prior to Memphis, he played two seasons at Northwest
Mississippi Community College after a brief stint at Ole Miss in 2022.College
Career (2025 at Memphis)
2025:
29-G, .275/.361/.464, 8-HR, 3-G, 1-ST, 7.20-ERA
Prior
Performance: At Northwest Mississippi in 2023, he hit .328 with six home
runs, five doubles, and 16 RBIs, demonstrating his offensive prowess before
transferring to Memphis. His pitching stats from junior college are less
documented but contributed to his two-way profile.
Scouting
and Future
Smith’s 6-foot-5 frame, plus
athleticism, and two-way skills make him a high-upside developmental prospect.
Scouts likely view him as a candidate to focus on one role in pro ball, with
his offensive skills (speed, gap power, and center-field defense) potentially
outweighing his pitching potential due to his unpolished arsenal. His arm
strength and defensive versatility (83-85 mph outfield throws) add value. The
Mets, known for developing raw talent, likely see him as a projectable player
who could stick as an outfielder with occasional pitching duties. His
14th-round slot value was around $150,000, and as a junior, he’s likely to sign
with the Mets, starting in their minor league system, possibly at Low-A St.
Lucie or the Florida Complex League Mets.
Mack
–
I
like this guy. He just looks like a great hitter. Whether he will be is debatable,
but I thought I would say something nice for a change in this draft reports.
Still…
small school, limited numbers.
Rating
- C
3 comments:
Picking athletes in round 14 is SMART.
Mack,
What I think we are seeing with the 2025 draft is the problem of what happens when your first round is penalized 10 slots down, an extremely limited money available to sign your picks and selecting many seniors to save money. Can the Mets continue this trend?
The loss of their second round pick really hurt
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