Toronto Blue Jays two-way prospect LF/LHP Austin Smith to make professional pitching debut
Photo credit: Austin Smith - Instagram
Toronto Blue Jays two-way prospect LF/LHP Austin Smith is set to make his professional pitching debut today.
The Toronto Blue Jays are set to take an intriguing step with one of their more unique prospects, as two-way player Austin Smith prepares to make his professional pitching debut.
Selected in the 10th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, Smith arrived in the organization as both an outfielder and left-handed pitcher out of the University of San Diego.
At 22 years old, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound athlete had already built a reputation in college baseball as a versatile and disciplined performer.
Smith began his collegiate career at the University of California before transferring to San Diego, where he played from 2023 to 2025.
During his time there, he posted a .279/.404/.372 slash line over 215 plate appearances, showing strong on-base ability.
His performance did not go unnoticed. Smith earned All-WCC First Team honors in both 2024 and 2025, was named an ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division I Third Team All-American in 2024, and finished as a finalist for the prestigious John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award in 2025.
Following the draft, Smith quickly transitioned into professional baseball, joining the Blue Jays’ Single-A affiliate, the Dunedin Blue Jays.
He appeared in 23 games down the stretch, focusing exclusively on his role as an outfielder.
Over 99 plate appearances, he hit .259/.394/.395, collecting 21 hits, including five doubles and two home runs.
SMITTY SENDS IT OUTTA HERE💣Austin Smith's second homer as a pro is a solo blast in the 1st!
He also contributed seven RBIs and seven stolen bases, finishing with a solid .789 OPS while maintaining a perfect fielding percentage across all three outfield positions, along with one assist.
SHOW IT OFF, SMITTY💪Austin Smith cuts down a run at home!
Until now, Smith had yet to showcase his pitching at the professional level
That changes today, as he takes the mound for the first time against the Port St. Lucie Mets at Clover Field.
The Blue Jays now have their own two-way prospect! LHP/OF Austin Smith is slated to make his debut on the mound today in St. Lucie!
"I take what I can do as something special and I'm super excited to go out and do it today."
"I take what I can do as something special and I'm super excited to go out and do it today."
As he begins this next phase of his development, Smith remains focused on improving all aspects of his game.
With his first full professional season approaching, the California native is prepared to contribute in any role the organization asks of him, continuing his journey as a true two-way talent.
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