From the Field: Mallex Smith, of, Tampa Bay Rays

Posted on October 14, 2018 • Posted Under Signature Cards • No Comments

Mallex Smith was drafted in the 5th round (165th overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2012 out of high school in Florida. He has zero power, but his ability to put the ball in play, excellent speed and plus defense made him one of the better center field prospects in the game. He was clearly valued by teams, as illustrated by him being traded three times in his young career:

2014 – Padres to Braves
2017 – Braves to Mariners, and then Mariners to Rays.

Even though he first made it to the majors in 2016, this season is the first where he got an extended look…and was pretty amazing. Over 480 at-bats he hit .296/.367/.406 with 2 HR and 40 stolen bases.

He will never hit a ton of homers, but with his speed, he does not need them. He will be patrolling centerfield for the Rays as long as his legs will allow.

Standard Batting
Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+
2016	23	ATL	NL	72	189	28	45	3	22	16	8	20	48	.238	.316	.365	.681	83
2017	24	TBR	AL	81	256	33	69	2	12	16	5	23	62	.270	.329	.355	.684	87
2018	25	TBR	AL	141	480	65	142	2	40	40	12	47	98	.296	.367	.406	.773	115
3 Yr	3 Yr	3 Yr	3 Yr	294	925	126	256	7	74	72	25	90	208	.277	.346	.384	.730	101
162	162	162	162	162	510	69	141	4	41	40	14	50	115	.277	.346	.384	.730	101

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/14/2018.

Collecting Cleveland Baseball Since 1982

From the Field: Mallex Smith, of, Tampa Bay Rays