2024 Draft: 5 players the Detroit Tigers should consider at 11th overall

Cam Smith could be positionally valuable for the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers may not be in the market for drafting a draft-eligible sophomore, but it might make for an over-slot signing. That's a discussion for a later date. But, since it's December, let's take time and discuss what Cam Smith brings to the table as part of the Seminoles program down at Florida State.

At the beginning of the 2023 collegiate season, Florida State's Cam Smith looked like he would be the next premier talent in this draft class. The draft-eligible sophomore was hitting like crazy early on during non-conference play. His performance stagnated a bit when things got to ACC conference play, but he still had a good year.

The tools showed, and he took the summer on the Cape to cement things and show that he has much to like about him. Smith is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound third baseman who also plays a little corner outfield. But he has an athletic frame with strength showing, which makes him a dangerous player. A big sophomore campaign for the Seminoles might be the difference-maker.

Last spring, Smith has played in 51 games where he slashed .258/.326/.517 with eight doubles, five triples, and 12 home runs while managing 36 RBI. But there was more to that one when he got to the Cape. He was with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks on the Cape, where he managed 187 plate appearances over 44 games played. He slashed .347/.406/.575 with 12 doubles, four triples, and six home runs, driving in 26 runs.

The performance this spring will tell a lot. He's a right-handed hitter with a smooth stroke that produces some loft. He has a clean path with the strength to impact and damage. Smith's got power upside with his strength and physical frame. In my opinion, he's a third-baseman and is athletic enough to man the hot corner.

A big spring in 2024 could see Smith jump up the draft boards and be someone the Tigers should consider taking. After all, they do like to go into Florida on the prep or college levels to select players.