Cubs Prospect Cam Smith’s Rise to the Top
In a move aimed at experiencing the winning culture and playoff run of the Smokies, the Chicago Cubs have promoted prospect Cam Smith to Double-A. This new challenge is part of the Cubs’ strategy to help Smith grow as a player and eventually reach the majors.
A Steep Climb
The Cubs had a steep climb in mind when they drafted Smith with the 14th overall pick just two months ago. They believed that Smith had the potential to stick at third base, and they had seen him take a developmental leap from his freshman to sophomore year at Florida State.
"We set out to push him as fast as he would allow us to, have him tell us who he is," said Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler. "I do want to challenge him and find a point where he’s a little out of his comfort zone. I guess we’re all still kind of waiting for that to happen."
Talent and Drive
Smith, 21, has already climbed through three levels of the farm system and has moved into MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 this week, giving the Cubs seven prospects on the list. "Just his immense talent," said assistant general manager Jared Banner. "The progress that he’s showing makes sense to me. He didn’t top out early, he’s definitely not a finished product. Really, no one is a finished product, but he even more so is further away from his eventual ceiling than most typical first-rounders are. It’s exciting."
Kanzler highlighted Smith’s mental makeup, citing his drive to continue improving. "He literally says, ‘I want to be great,’ " said Kanzler. "’I want to be better. I want to be the best. I want to help the team. I want to help the Cubs. I’ll do whatever it takes.’"
Promotion Philosophy
The Cubs have a promotion philosophy that prioritizes challenging players and getting them used to not being easy. "It does no good to have him beating up on levels that he’s probably too good for," said Kanzler. "Broadly, you really don’t learn until you start failing. And specifically, the major leagues and the caliber of play and the level of competition is so vastly more difficult compared to any level of the minors that it is really important to kind of gut-check our players when we can and get them very used to things not being easy, because they will not be easy in the big leagues."
Gap Between Triple-A and the Majors
The gap between Triple-A and the majors has continued to widen. Even top prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong have experienced growing pains in their first months in the big leagues. However, Crow-Armstrong has since made significant progress and is now a key player for the Cubs.
"The gap between Triple-A and the majors has continued to widen," said Kanzler. "We need to be creative and find ways to bridge that gap outside of the competition levels that the players are put into. So that comes from us making sure, and holding ourselves to high standards, of practice and practice design and really pushing the boundaries of our players prior to the lights turning on every night."
Conclusion
Cam Smith’s rapid rise through the farm system is a testament to his immense talent and drive. If he continues to perform and improve, it’s not hard to see him on the radar for the Cubs next year.
FAQs
Q: What is Cam Smith’s current level?
A: Cam Smith has been promoted to Double-A.
Q: What is the Cubs’ promotion philosophy?
A: The Cubs prioritize challenging players and getting them used to not being easy, in order to help them grow and develop.
Q: What is the gap between Triple-A and the majors?
A: The gap between Triple-A and the majors has continued to widen, with even top prospects experiencing growing pains in their first months in the big leagues.
