The White Sox selected Arkansas native Hagen Smith, a left-handed pitcher, with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Smith signed a $8 million contract with the organisation on Monday night, according to Jim Callis of MLB.com. The value of the fifth place was $7,763,700.
Electric lefty Hagen Smith, draughted by the White Sox with the fifth overall pick,
The signing of Smith was not formally announced by the club. Brendan McKay’s record for left-handed pitchers ($7,005,000) would be broken and a White Sox record would be set with the $8 million bonus. Smith becomes the 12th player to ever receive a bonus of at least $8 million in the history of the MLB Draft.
These signing bonuses are the highest in the Draft’s history.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound southpaw was 9-2 with a 2.04 ERA, a.144 opponents average, a 0.89 WHIP, and 161 strikeouts in 84 innings during his 16 starts for Arkansas in the previous season. Smith led Division 1 pitchers in opponents’ average and hits per nine innings (4.4), as well as strikeouts per nine innings (NCAA record 17.25). With 11 double-digit strikeout games in 2024 and 360 career strikeouts, he set program records for the Razorbacks.
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On the evening he was selected by the White Sox, Smith pitched for Arkansas, saying, “All the technology and stuff is cool, that can really help.” However, working with such exceptional talent on a daily basis—especially with this particular group this past year—means that, as a pitching staff, everyone strives to improve daily, even during practice. I believe that we all pushed each other to that end. It seemed to bring out the best in everyone.”
Many believe Smith to be almost Major League ready. He won’t be rushed by the White Sox, but in 2025, he might be in the rotation.
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