Luke
Smith

Committed to Louisville out of Parkland JC (IL).

3/8/20: My first look at Smith was during the spring of his sophomore year in junior college where I saw an athletic, slender-bodied, quick-armed righty who pitched with effort in his delivery and a lot of confidence. At that time he also possessed an upper-80s fastball and an above-average, big-breaking curve ball (read the report here). Still athletic with effort to his delivery, but now the Cardinal’s Sunday starter and a CWS veteran, Smith’s fastball velo has ticked up to the low-90s, touching 93 on this recent look. The pitch showed cut with occasional sink and spin rates in the 2300-2400s. He still possesses the good 79-81 mph hook with a big spin rate (near 2800 rpm) and can back off a little with the pitch at 73-75 mph (2665 rpm). He has also developed a third weapon; an above-average-to-plus 82-86 mph changeup with low spin (1875-2000). His delivery is strong mechanically with a good lower leg block and a good glove tuck. He does land on his toes which can block his hips and cut off his direction to the plate which is likely why he sets up on the first base side of the rubber. An adjustment to landing more flat-footed or towards his heel could allow him to move to the third base side where he could still get to glove side with his fastball while allowing for more plate coverage of his breaker. Overall, Smith is one of the top senior pitching prospects in the 2020 draft and will likely be selected in the Top 10 rounds. (Seifert)

2/16/20: A loose, whippy righty with a three-quarters slot, Smith attacked the zone at 90-92 and touched 93-94 early on in his Sunday start opening weekend at Ole Miss. His best offering was a legitimate plus changeup with very good arm speed and tumble at 81-84, and it induced swing-and-misses against both righties and lefties. He also mixed in a solid 80-82 slider and a very effective big downer curveball at 73-75. He’s a true four-pitch guy, he competes hard, and there may be more in the tank down the road, because he’s athletic and projectable at 6-3, 175. Smith ranks as one of the top senior prospects in the nation this spring. (Fitt)

5/23/18: Slender bodied righty with a quick arm from a high three-quarters slot. Oozes projection with loose, quick arm. Delivery will need some adjustments, yet nothing major. Has some effort which should lessen as he matures and fills out. Fastball sat 88-89 in the early innings, dropped to 86-87 by the fourth. Was pitching on three days rest. Likely low-90s in his future. Curveball is a swing/miss, out pitch at 75-78 mph. Perfect 11/5 CB shape with power. Repeated for strikes to gloveside against a right-handed hitting lineup. Pitches with confidence. Signed to attend Louisville. (Seifert)