AL West: 2026 Spring training questions

For the first full week of PT TOMORROW coverage, we asked authors to focus on one specific question per team as spring training begins. 

 

Houston Astros

Can Cam Smith improve his plate discipline and become an everyday player in the Astros outfield?

Last spring, Cam Smith was the talk of the Astros camp. The then-22-year-old wowed the team and earned a roster spot. 2025 did not go well for Smith, as he hit .236 with nine home runs and eight steals, and eventually became a platoon bat. Smith was the 1st round pick for the Cubs in 2024 and came over in the Kyle Tucker trade, so there was not a lot of experience at the professional level.

Throughout three stops in the minors in 2024 (Low-A, High-A, and Double-A), Smith hit .313 with seven...

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