Clemson baseball's Tristan Smith picked by Cincinnati Reds in Round 5 of 2024 MLB Draft
CLEMSON — Left-handed pitcher Tristan Smith from Clemson baseball was selected 150th overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB draft on Monday.
Smith, who attended Boiling Springs High School in South Carolina, was the fourth player selected Monday from the Tigers. The 150th pick has a slot value of $448,700
Here's what Smith brings to Cincinnati, based on our own observations from his tenure at Clemson:
What Tristan Smith brings to Cincinnati Reds in 2024 MLB Draft
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Smith has a pitching arsenal that consists of a fastball, slider and changeup. His fastball ranges around 91-94 mph mostly but can reach 96 mph, and his slider and changeup are around the low-80s.
Smith was a full-time starter in his sophomore season after primarily being a reliever in 2023. He posted a 4.47 ERA with 66 strikeouts to 32 walks. He recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts against Duke on March 16. He missed more than a month following that outing after suffering an ankle injury.
He played in two NCAA tournament games in 2024 against High Point and Florida. In the Clemson Regional, he shined against the Panthers, striking out nine and giving up three runs (one earned). He struggled against the Gators in Game 1 of the Clemson Super Regional, striking out four but allowing five runs (including two home runs) and three walks.
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Smith has control and command issues, which has led to balls and wild pitches. MLB.com projects he can become a mid-rotation option if he improves his pitching command.
Tristan Smith's stats at Clemson baseball
Across 82 innings in 36 games (18 starts), Smith recorded:
4.50 ERA
109 strikeouts to 57 walks
71 hits allowed (12 home runs)
2-2 record
Four saves
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Cincinnati Reds draft Clemson's Tristan Smith in 2024 MLB Draft