Tigers Minor League Report Scouting Report
Player: Dylan Smith
Position: RHP
Throws/Bats: R/R
Height/Weight: 6’2″ / 180 lbs
Born: April 26, 1999
Drafted: 2021 – Round 3, Pick 74 (University of Alabama)
Current Level: Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens (Promoted May 2025)
Overview
After an injury-plagued 2023 and an inconsistent 2024, Dylan Smith has found a second wind in 2025 by moving full-time to the bullpen. He opened the season in a relief role for Double-A Erie and immediately showed sharper command and improved pitch efficiency. With his fastball-slider combo playing up in shorter outings, Smith earned a call-up to Triple-A Toledo. Once considered a backend starter, his future now looks like that of a potential multi-inning reliever or middle-inning bridge arm.
Pitch Arsenal
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Fastball – 92–95 mph
Has late arm-side life. The velo plays better in relief, and he’s commanding it up in the zone with more confidence. -
Slider – 84–87 mph
Legitimate bat-misser. Late, sweeping action with tight spin. Best used against right-handed hitters and in strikeout situations. -
Changeup – 83–85 mph
Flashes average. Mostly used to keep lefties honest. Tunnels well off the fastball but isn’t a primary weapon. -
Cutter – 88–90 mph
New pitch that’s helped him induce weaker contact. Short, late break and deceptive against same-side hitters.
Mechanics & Delivery
Simple, clean mechanics. In shorter stints, Smith works faster and gets into his delivery rhythm quickly. He hides the ball well, creating deception. The move to the bullpen has helped streamline his sequencing and given him more margin for error with command.
Projection
Smith projects as a low-leverage reliever with upside to handle 6th or 7th inning work if the command and cutter continue to hold. The shift to the bullpen has given him a clearer path to the majors, and his performance in Toledo will determine if he becomes a bullpen call-up candidate in late 2025.