Against all odds, 22-year-old phenom Cam Smith is on the Astros' Opening Day roster.
Smith, the centerpiece from the Astros trading Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs this offseason, is expected to start in right field for Houston against the New York Mets on Thursday.
Astros manager Joe Espada brought in Smith's family to announce the news in the clubhouse Tuesday. Watch Smith's emotional response here
This is a borderline unprecedented decision by the Astros. Smith has played just 32 games in pro ball, which is the third-fewest of any position player to make an Opening Day roster in the MLB draft era, according to The Athletic.
But Smith's spring training performance was undeniable, recording a .342/.419/.711 slash line. He started at third base, his natural position, but eventually Espada started experimenting with Smith in right field and the rest is history.
