Clemson’s Tristan Smith chosen by Reds in MLB Draft

Four Clemson Tigers were selected on the second day (rounds 3-10) of the MLB draft on Monday afternoon.

Senior infielder Blake Wright was chosen in the fourth round (No. 106 overall) by the Colorado Rockies, junior righty Austin Gordon was selected in the fourth round (No. 110 overall) by the Los Angeles Angels, junior outfielder Will Taylor was drafted in the fifth round (No. 145 overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates and sophomore lefty Tristan Smith was chosen in the fifth round (No. 150 overall) by the Cincinnati Reds.

The four draft picks in the first five rounds marked the first time since the 2007 MLB draft that Clemson accomplished that feat. The Tigers also tied for third in the nation in 2024 draft picks in the first five rounds, behind only Tennessee (7) and Wake Forest (5).

Smith (Boiling Springs, S.C.), the first Tiger drafted by the Reds since 2021 (Carter Raffield), emerged as a weekend starter in 2024, when he was 2-1 with a 4.47 ERA, .250 opponents’ batting average and 66 strikeouts against 32 walks in 50.1 innings pitched over 12 starts, as he missed four weekend series from March to April due to injury.

In his career, he is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, .237 opponents’ batting average and 109 strikeouts in 82.0 innings pitched over 36 appearances (18 starts).

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.