Hagen Smith 2024 MLB Draft: Top 5 landing spots for Arkansas star ft. Colorado Rockies

In a draft class loaded with hitting talent, Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith stands out above the rest. MLB teams always need more talent, especially on the mound. After his excellent display for the Razorbacks this season, Smith should be selected in the first round of this year's MLB Draft.

Honestly, every team in the draft could use a pitcher of Smith's caliber. Teams are promoting young talent to the major leagues faster than ever. Due to his collegiate experience, Smith could be one of the more polished arms this year.

The Arkansas ace went 9-2 with a 2.04 ERA in a team-leading 84 innings of work during the 2024 season. He showcased why he's probably the best left-handed pitcher in this year's draft.

So, who could really use his skill set? Let's start with the Cincinnati Reds, who pick second overall.

Hagen Smith with Cincinnati Reds makes sense as potential pairing

Cincinnati looks to have three long-term pieces in their rotation with the trio of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott.

Graham Ashcraft could be the fourth despite an ERA north of 5.00, and there are other pieces waiting in the wings throughout their minor league system. Double-A right-hander Julian Aguiar is a prospect of particular note for the Reds.

Yet, one of the oldest adages in baseball is that you can never have enough pitching. That's especially true in today's landscape, as velocity reigns supreme when it comes to the bump.

Well, Smith could move through the Reds' minor league system quickly and give them another long-term piece for their starting rotation.

The left-hander is already through almost 100 innings for Arkansas this season, and it might behoove whichever team drafts him to limit his innings the rest of the year.

However, some talent won't be denied a trip to the show. If Smith can show that he has the potential to handle the big leagues sooner rather than later, then Cincinnati could pull the trigger at No. 2.

Smith could be next potential savior for Rockies

It is well known that the Colorado Rockies are arguably the most pitching-starved franchise in major league history. Aside from a few seasons that Ubaldo Jimenez pitched well, and some scattered good seasons from other arms, the franchise likely doesn't have one Hall of Fame-worthy arm in its history.

The front office took Tennessee right-hander Chase Dollander with the ninth overall pick last year, and adding Smith could be another savvy move. They need to continue to add to the overall level of pitching talent throughout the organization, and targeting multiple pitchers would be wise.

Dollander is making waves in High-A, and could move to Double-A soon if his form continues. The Arkansas stud could follow a similar trajectory if his development progresses. His pitching arsenal could also play well long-term at Coors Field. Being a top 10 pick would add another feather in his cap.

Athletics need talent like Smith to shine in new home

Before moving to Sacramento for three seasons, then their hopeful long-term home in Las Vegas, the Athletics still need to address the severe lack of talent on their major league roster. There are quite a few talented pieces in their minor league system, but they could use more high-impact pieces.

There would be few better selections with the fourth overall pick than Smith, as long as he's still available. The Arkansas man can be a long-term part of their rotation and a potential ace for them like he was in college.

The A's have several potential options pitching for them already in the majors, such as JP Sears, Hogan Harris and Joey Estes. However, if they select the lefty — and he can develop into the top-tier arm that the team doesn't seem have — then another period of contention could bloom for the Athletics before the club even reaches Sin City.

As White Sox rebuild, Smith could be piece of puzzle

It could be a summer of trades for the South Siders, as first-year general manager Chris Getz looks to get the club back to basics. Numerous veterans, such as Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet, could be dealt to keep building the White Sox farm system.

This retooling process could include taking the best left-handed starter in the draft with the fifth pick. Smith's mix of pitches would fit well almost anywhere, so Chicago would love to have him. Furthermore, having players who can move through the system quickly and succeed should be a point of emphasis for the Sox.

Smith in the iconic black-and-white uniforms of the Sox? That could happen following this year's draft.

Royals could use Smith as they continue potential playoff push

Young arms Cole Ragans, Brady Singer and Alec Marsh are making an impact at the top level for Kansas City, but most starting rotations feature five full-time starters plus good depth. Veterans Seth Lugo (who is likely one of the leading candidates for AL Cy Young) and Michael Wacha have performed well for the Royals so far this season.

Lugo and Wacha could only be short-term pieces, though, so adding more long-term impact should be near the top of GM JJ Piccolo's to-do list. Kansas City does have more arms in the minors, but there aren't too many who are close to making an impact like Ragans, Singer and Marsh have.

Based on his collegiate performance, the former Razorback could have that type of impact. College players have moved more quickly through the minors over the past few years, so Piccolo could take Smith with the sixth pick and then fast-track him to the majors.