New Mariners prospect hits first HR with organization

It didn’t take new Seattle Mariners prospect Boston Smith long to show why he was an intriguing get in the trade that sent Luis Castillo to the Chicago White Sox.

Mariners’ Wilson, Speier suspended after benches clear vs Tigers

Playing in just his second game with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers on Wednesday, Smith showed not that even the pitcher’s haven that is Dickey-Stephens Park could slow down the offensive tear he’s been on during his first year of pro baseball, clubbing his first home run since joining his new organization.

Smith, a left-handed bat, took advantage of a hanging slider and pulled a 375-foot solo shot to right field to give Arkansas a 1-0 lead in the second inning. The homer left the bat at 101.4 mph.

It was Smith’s 23rd homer while playing across three levels of the minors this season. He entered Thursday tied for the ninth-most homers in the minor leagues.

The 23-year-old Smith was a sixth-round pick by the Washington Nationals in the 2025 draft. He was traded to Chicago in March deal that sent infielder Curtis Mead to Washington before being traded again Aug. 1 alongside reliever Seranthony Domingez and outfielder Nolan Jones in exchange for Castillo.

In 81 games across three levels of the minors (Single-A, High-A and Double-A) this year, he is batting .286 with a .442 on-base percentage and 1.028 OPS. To go along with his 23 homers, he’s hit seven doubles and three triples, struck out 98 times and walked 74 times. His 20.8% walk rate is tied for 12th among minor leaguers in Single-A or above.

Smith, a catching and outfield prospect, is the 14th-ranked prospect in the Mariners’ organization, according to MLB Pipeline. He was the catcher for Arkansas in his debut for the team Tuesday and the designated hitter Wednesday.

Seattle Mariners news and more

• M’s prospects Arroyo, Montes excelling just a step away from big leagues
• M’s GM: Where things stand with top prospect Kade Anderson
• GM details why Taylor Ward is ‘really good fit’ for Seattle Mariners

Related

Mariners’ Wilson, Speier suspended after benches clear vs TigersSalk: Could benches-clearing scuffle wake up the Mariners?Yankees star Aaron Judge: ‘I’ll be back’ from injury this seasonRecap: Woo, Julio lead Mariners in 4-2 win over TigersBenches clear, Speier and Wilson ejected in Mariners’ win over TigersM’s prospects Arroyo, Montes excelling just a step away from big leagues