James Smith IV selected in the MLB Draft
Memphis Tigers Right-hand Pitcher/outfielder James Smith IV became the 84th player in program history to be selected in the Major League Baseball draft when the New York Mets selected him in the 14th round (433rd overall) today.
He was named to the 2025 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award Watch List on April 15 during his only season with Memphis.
As an outfielder, he hit .277 with 12 extra-base hits and eight stolen bases in 29 games this year for Memphis. As a Pitcher, he pitched 5 innings with 4 earned runs and 2 strikeouts in relief work for the Tigers.
Smith becomes the first Memphis player to be selected since the 2023 MLB Draft. In that draft, Dalton Fowler was selected by Tampa Bay Rays in the 9th round (Pick 273) and Dalton Kendrick was picked in the 18th round (Pick 534) by The Los Angeles Angels.
