Canaan Smith

Position: OF
Level: Rk
Affiliate: XST Yankees
League: Extended Spring Training
Born: 04/30/1999 (Age: 24)
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 215
B/T: Left / Right
Acquired: 4th Rd., 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft (NYY)

Prospect Spotlight

At 6’0” and an already-physical 215 pounds, the Yankees’ fourth-rounder from last year is built like a tank with football-like athleticism. While his physicality is impressive, he will have to maintain his current frame to avoid the body going backwards as he ages. A patient hitter, he took lots of walks as an amateur and continued that trend after signing, leading the GCL with 46 walks, and recording more free passes than strikeouts (44) over 247 PA’s. His strength gives him quality bat speed and pull-side power, though he’ll also flash the ability to work all fields when his swing is working. His hit tool has a chance to be average, but even if it isn’t, Smith is well-equipped for today’s three-true-outcomes trend.

He’s young for the class, and turns 19 at the end of April. He is likely ticketed for extended spring training, with the bat and power potential to make some noise this summer upon being assigned to Short-Season Pulaski. The offensive upside is the calling card for him, as he’s a below-average corner outfielder who might continue to move down the defensive spectrum. Smith’s best-case scenario is likely a bat-first second-division regular or platoon starter.