Much-talked about former Cubs prospect is quietly shattering his rookie slump

As Chicago Cubs rookie Matt Shaw initially struggled, the instant impact of Houston Astros rookie Cam Smith stoked the flames of panic tenfold. Serving as the key return piece in the Kyle Tucker trade, many believed the Cubs gave up the wrong prospect over in the deal, overpaying for what many felt was a one-year rental of Tucker.

After a torrid spring training, Smith made the Astros’ Opening Day roster immediately, despite only having 32 career games in the minors under his belt. To make things worse for Cubs fans, Smith got his first career hit on the very first pitch he saw on March 27. 

However, that game notwithstanding, it has not been the easiest of seasons for Smith. Throughout the month of April, Smith’s batting average hovered at or around .200, finishing the month with an average of .224. Smith struck out 22 times in 67 at bats, walking only six times in the process.

In the month of May, Cam Smith looks like a completely different player

Smith had a two-hit game against the Cincinnati Reds on May 11, setting a stretch into motion that revitalized his season. Counting that game, Smith has reached base ten times in his last 13 games, good for a batting average of .322 in the month of May. 

Five of those games were multi-hit games, including a 3-for-4 performance against the Seattle Mariners on Friday. 

Along with Shaw regaining his form after a brief stint in the minors, it would seem the pair have each begun to settle into their roles as Major Leaguers. In the meantime, the Tucker trade looks to have paid off for both clubs, as both Smith and Isaac Paredes are in the midst of stellar seasons, while Tucker has quickly become one of the most valuable players in the National League.