Clemson Hurler Drafted in Fifth Round

Clemson pitcher Tristan Smith was selected by Cincinnati in the fifth round of the MLB Draft on Monday.

The Reds took Smith No. 150 overall and the pick has a slot value of  $448,700. He was ranked No. 73 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list.

Smith, out of nearby Boiling Springs, has been an integral part of the Clemson pitching staff over the past two seasons. As a sophomore in 2024, Smith earned a spot in the weekend rotation, going 2-1 with a 4.47 ERA across 12 starts. In 50.1 innings pitched, he struck out 66 hitters and the Tigers were 10-2 in games Smith started.

As a freshman, Smith was used as a starter and in relief. He finished with a 0-1 record and four saves in 24 appearances, six of those being starts. In 31.2 innings, he pitched 31.2 innings, allowing 24 hits and striking out 43 hitters. In 18 relief appearances, he had an ERA of 2.00 and 25 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched.

The left-handed has thrown 82 innings over his two-year career, posting an ERA of 4.50 with 109 strikeouts with opponents hitting just .237 against him.

Smith still has two years of eligibility remaining.

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