Joe Espada Gets Honest About Struggling First-Round Pick as Astros Face Decision

The Houston Astros' division lead is at stake.

Joe Espada Gets Honest About Struggling First-Round Pick as Astros Face Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith looked like an AL Rookie of the Year candidate in May and June, but his recent struggles have coincided with the team's lack of results.

The Astros are 2-8 in their last 10 games after getting swept by the Boston Red Sox, and are now just 2.5 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners for first place in the AL West. Meanwhile, Smith is in a 7-for-66 slump after slashing .303/.354/.494 in June and .307/.388/.400 in May. He also hasn't had a multi-hit game since July 8 nor hit a homer since June 28.

Houston manager Joe Espada gave his thoughts about Smith's struggles on Saturday, via The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

Houston Astros outfielder Cam SmithReinhold Matay-Imagn Images

“He’s probably chasing up in the zone more than he did earlier in the year, but we’re still seeing the quality of his at-bats and when he connects, we’re seeing hard hits,” he said. “We just want to see more consistency when it comes to staying in the zone and not trying to do more.”

Smith, who the Chicago Cubs took No. 14 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, has never notched more than 101 games played or 456 plate appearances in any baseball season. The 22-year-old is now at 97 games and 385 plate appearances this year, which could be exhausting him as he adjusts to the big-league level.

Win-Now Astros Don't Have Time for Rookie Struggles

Smith was a long-term acquisition for Houston this past offseason, as it acquired him, infielder Isaac Paredes, and pitcher Hayden Wesneski from the Cubs for star outfielder Kyle Tucker. However, the former Florida State Seminole put together a strong Spring Training after slashing .313/.396/.609 in 32 minor-league games last season, and the Astros rewarded him with an Opening Day roster spot.

Smith has gained invaluable experience this season, but the Astros aren't a rebuilding squad that can afford to be hampered by rookie growing pains. That's why the front office acquired fellow outfielder Jesús Sánchez at the Trade Deadline, who slashed .289/.337/.482 in July and is 3-for-11 with a double and a walk in August thus far.

Prioritizing Sánchez over Smith on the depth chart for the rest of the season is likely the best move for short-term success, as he's a multi-year veteran who has plenty of experience with the 162-game MLB season. Once center fielder Jake Meyers returns from the IL, Houston could start Taylor Trammell in left and Sánchez in right.

Smith achieving big-league success in his second professional season puts him ahead of most young players, but depending on him with a division title at stake is risky.

Related: Astros’ Joe Espada Announces Exciting Jeremy Peña News

Related: Astros Make Move Immediately After Twins Game

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.

Category: Baseball