Staff report
Steven Smith (West Rowan) isn’t on any top-200 lists, but he’s a possibility for the MLB draft in July after a monumental 2026 season for App State as a graduate student.
Smith, who played at Caldwell Tech and Emory & Henry before he got to Boone as the Moutaineers’ final recruit, has two things working against him that he can’t control.
1. He’s 5-foot-8, 166 pounds, and doesn’t fit the prototype for draft picks, even though Smith probably has a better chance to hit high-level pitching than some big guys who will be picked in the first few rounds.
2. He’ll turn 24 in December.
Smith got hit in the face by a pitch late in the regular season and missed some Sun Belt Tournament games where he would have gotten more exposure in front of scouts. That was unfortunate.
Still, Smith’s sensational season in a respected D-I league may be hard to ignore. He was more than just a first team All-Sun Belt player, he was one of the best players in the league, a dominant offensive force. He batted .355 with six homers, 18 doubles, 50 RBIs and 48 runs. His on-base percentage was .406. He makes good swing decisions and a lot of hard contact.
Smith offers defensive versatility (second base, shortstop or third base) and he has exceptional arm strength. His arm is so strong- he can throw low 90s – that App State used him six times as a relief pitcher.
A team willing to think outside the box may take a chance on Smith in the later rounds.
If no one does, he likely will get a chance to sign with an MLB team or independent team as a free agent. Any time he’s been given a chance, his team hasn’t regretted it.
You said: draft projection 2026 steven smith app state
Official draft projection models do not list App State infielder/pitcher Steven Smith on mainstream top 100 or top 250 boards, making him a potential late-round flyer or high-priority undrafted free agent for the 2026 MLB Draft. [1, 2]
While his analytical profile from his breakout 2026 season is incredibly strong, major league front offices are balancing several distinct factors regarding his draft stock:
Draft Stock Boosters-
- Elite Statistical Production: Smith was an offensive force in a highly respected mid-major conference, finishing the 2026 regular season slashing .363/.439/.563 with 18 doubles, 6 home runs, and 50 RBIs. [1]
- Two-Way Versatility: In addition to playing an All-Sun Belt caliber shortstop, he served as a reliable relief option on the mound, posting a 2.57 ERA across six appearances with low-90s velocity. [1, 2, 3]
- Batted Ball Consistency: He proved highly difficult to strike out, logging a 32-game on-base streak and proving his high-contact rate translated seamlessly from Division II to Division I. [, 2]
Draft Stock Bottlenecks-
- Lack of Physical Leverage: Standing at 5-foot-8 and 166 pounds, Smith does not fit the prototypical physical profile that MLB organizations target early in the draft for long-term durability and raw power projects. [1, 2]
- Age and Eligibility: As a graduate student who previously spent time at Caldwell Tech and Emory & Henry, he does not possess the age-related leverage of a 20- or 21-year-old junior. This reduces his bargaining power regarding signing bonuses. [, 2]
- Late-Season Injury: Being hit in the face by a pitch in mid-May caused him to miss critical late-season exposure during the Sun Belt Tournament, limiting his final window to showcase his skills in front of cross-checkers. [1]
Final Projection
Expect Smith to be evaluated as a Senior/Graduate sign option in rounds 15–20, or a highly sought-after free agent post-draft. Teams looking to save bonus pool money on an older, highly polished player with defensive versatility and an elite contact tool will find immense value in him.
