University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Don Claussen
Alex Smith selected in MLB Draft
Jun 05, 2019 | Baseball
Tiger senior picked by Kansas City Royals
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In the 24th round of this year's Major League Baseball Draft, Memphis senior pitcher Alex Smith heard his named called as the lefty was taken with the 709th pick by the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.
The selection continues a streak of at least one Tiger being taken in the annual draft since 2010. The pick also marks the second straight spring the Royals have selected a Memphis pitcher after the organization drafted Jonathan Bowlan in the second round in 2018.
A four-year letterwinner, Smith tallied a 5.35 career ERA in 68 appearances and 74 strikeouts in the Blue and Gray.
Smith posted a 4.81 ERA in his senior year with 36 strikeouts. The Lakeland, Tenn., native finished 2019 on a strong surge, tallying 9.1 scoreless innings and eight strikeouts in five appearances to close the regular season.
Smith led the Tigers with 26 appearances in his final campaign and threw 70.2 innings, while setting career-best marks in appearances, innings pitched and strikeouts.
The selection continues a streak of at least one Tiger being taken in the annual draft since 2010. The pick also marks the second straight spring the Royals have selected a Memphis pitcher after the organization drafted Jonathan Bowlan in the second round in 2018.
A four-year letterwinner, Smith tallied a 5.35 career ERA in 68 appearances and 74 strikeouts in the Blue and Gray.
Smith posted a 4.81 ERA in his senior year with 36 strikeouts. The Lakeland, Tenn., native finished 2019 on a strong surge, tallying 9.1 scoreless innings and eight strikeouts in five appearances to close the regular season.
Smith led the Tigers with 26 appearances in his final campaign and threw 70.2 innings, while setting career-best marks in appearances, innings pitched and strikeouts.
Players Mentioned
RHP
/ Baseball
LHP
/ BaseballBaseball: Matt Riser Press Conference - February 9, 2026
Monday, February 09
Baseball: Shane Cox, Javon Hernandez, and Freddy Rodriguez Press Conference - February 9, 2026
Monday, February 09
Baseball: David Case and Seth Garner Press Conference - February 9, 2026
Monday, February 09
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Baseball Edition - May 14, 2025
Wednesday, May 14