WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —Cam Smith returned home Thursday night to see his jersey retired at Palm Beach Central High, joining Brad Peacock and Devon Travis as the only Broncos to reach the major leagues.
Before the Broncos faced Park Vista on Feb. 20, Smith threw out the ceremonial first pitch and received a framed jersey during a pregame ceremony attended by school administrators and coaches. A banner bearing his name now hangs on the backstop—permanent recognition for the hometown product who made it.
It was a celebration of achievement. It was also a reminder that the next chapter remains uncertain.
“I’ve still got to earn my spot, but I’m ready,” Smith said.
A Year Later, A Different Camp
Last spring, Smith was the breakout story of Astros camp. After only 32 minor league games, he launched two home runs against the Mets on Feb. 25 and never cooled off. By the end of Grapefruit League play, he led Houston in home runs (4) and RBIs (11) while hitting .342.
The Astros accelerated his defensive transition, moving the career infielder to the outfield to create a path to the roster. He opened the 2025 season as the starting right fielder, an astonishing rise for the 14th overall pick in the 2024 draft and centerpiece of the Kyle Tucker trade.
Manager Joe Espada delivered the Opening Day news in front of teammates and family. Smith broke down in tears and embraced his mother. The moment went viral.
Eight months later, as the Astros open Grapefruit League play, the story is less sentimental and more competitive.
The 2025 Slide
Smith posted a .765 OPS in the first half of the 2025 season and handled the defensive switch smoothly. After the All-Star break, however, his production cratered—his OPS fell to .489 as pitchers adjusted and he struggled to counter.
He finished hitting .236 with nine home runs and 51 RBIs, modest numbers for a corner outfielder. Houston’s outfield ranked among the least productive units in baseball, and general manager Dana Brown made it clear in November that nothing is guaranteed.
“I would think he comes back and tries to play with more consistency and makes the necessary adjustments,” Brown said. “But we have to be open to sending him back to Triple-A if he hasn’t turned the corner.”
Unlike last spring, Smith is no longer a surprise story. He is a player under evaluation.
Defense Ahead of the Bat
The defensive experiment largely worked. Smith played shortstop at Palm Beach Central and third base at Florida State before spending just one week in the outfield at Triple-A Sugar Land. Days later, he debuted in right field for Houston.
“There was definitely an adjustment period,” Smith said. “Literally the biggest difference is I’m so far away compared to being at the hot corner. I had to get my eyes used to seeing that far away. The other difference is I really get to run around there and show off my speed a little bit more.”
The offensive adjustment remains the priority. Brown emphasized that spring performance will dictate how the roster shakes out.
“The veteran guys that have done it, have a track record, they’re penciled in,” Brown said in November. “The other guys, we have to let it play out.”
Crowded Competition
Houston’s outfield remains unsettled. Zach Cole and Jake Meyers appear positioned for roles in left and center, but right field is open. Smith is competing with Joey Loperfido, Zach Dezenzo, and others for at-bats.
The Astros missed the postseason in 2025 for the first time since 2016, ending a run that included two World Series titles. Reversing that slide will require improved production across the roster, particularly in the outfield.
Smith remains focused on growth.
“As a whole, I didn’t produce for my people behind me like I wanted to,” he said. “But I also had some great moments, some lifetime memories.”
His motto has not changed.
“I always want to get better,” Smith said. “1% better every day.”
Palm Beach Central honored him Thursday night. Now he must prove to Houston that he deserves to keep wearing their uniform.