John Smith III Begins His Promotion To Brooklyn With A Bang

John Smith III. Photo credit: Ed Delany of Metsmerized

The New York Mets’ 19th-round selection John Smith III saw only 10 games in St. Lucie, Florida, with the Single-A Mets, but was able to slug his way to a promotion to High-A Brooklyn in that time. Not to mention, he reached based four times, going 3-for-4 at the plate, in his debut with the Cyclones Wednesday.

Smith III became the first Met of the 2026 draft class to be promoted since debuting in the organization this summer. Considering his success in South Florida following an extensive collegiate career at the highest levels, Smith could be a fast riser in the organization.

In his 10 games with the St. Lucie squad, he slugged a pair of homers, three doubles, stole three bases, walked twice, and drove in eight runs over a 41-at-bat sample. The Mets selected Smith III out of UCF after a second-team All-Big 12 campaign that saw him hit 12 homers and post a .957 OPS in one of the best baseball conferences in the country.

Smith III is not only an interesting talent, but an incredible story in the modern collegiate landscape of the transfer portal. After playing his first two seasons at JUCO Pensacola State, he was able to transfer up into the Southwest Atlantic Conference with Alabama State before ending up in Orlando for his senior season.

His sweet swing from the left side should be able to generate enough power, and considering he is already 22 years old, the Mets could look to challenge him more as the season progresses and the minor league season begins to wrap up. Defensively, Smith played all three outfield positions during his college days, but profiles more as a corner outfielder as he moves up the professional ranks. He appeared in five games as a right fielder, four in left field, and one as a designated hitter. He might be able to see more opportunities in center field with Brooklyn, but his lack of elite range could limit the time he gets there.

He joins a loaded Brooklyn outfield that features power-threat Randy Guzman and trade deadline prizes Aidan Smith and John Spikerman. The Cyclones have less than 20 games remaining in their season.

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