Former Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith makes MLB debut with White Sox
The Razorbacks’ career strikeout leader tossed two hitless innings and recorded three strikeouts Sunday against Cleveland.
CHICAGO —
Former Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
Smith entered in relief following a rain delay at Rate Field. The left-hander threw two scoreless, hitless innings, striking out three and walking four.
His first major-league strikeout came against Guardians’ Brayan Rocchio in the second inning. Smith then struck out Angel Genao and Steven Kwan to complete a three-strikeout frame.
The White Sox promoted Smith from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday. He is expected to pitch out of Chicago’s bullpen for the remainder of the season before returning to a starting role in 2027.
“It’s awesome,” Smith told MLB.com after receiving the call. “I’ve been working for it. Obviously, coming up here to compete and try to stay.”
Smith made 20 appearances, including 14 starts, for Charlotte this season. He recorded 87 strikeouts over 58⅓ innings while posting a 4.32 ERA and holding opponents to a .189 batting average.
Before beginning his professional career, Smith spent three seasons at the University of Arkansas and became one of the most accomplished pitchers in Razorback history.
The Bullard, Texas, native went 24-6 with a 3.40 ERA and a program-record 360 strikeouts during his college career. As a junior in 2024, Smith finished 9-2 with a 2.04 ERA and set an Arkansas single-season record with 161 strikeouts in 84 innings.
His 17.25 strikeouts per nine innings that season established an NCAA record. Smith was named SEC Pitcher of the Year, earned unanimous first-team All-America honors and received multiple national pitcher-of-the-year awards.
The White Sox selected Smith fifth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, making him the highest-drafted pitcher in Arkansas baseball history.