10/09/2024 - Arizona Freshman Fall Classic (2028) Hayden Smith is a 2028 dynamic two-way player who showcased his talents both defensively and offensively at the Arizona Freshman Fall Classic. Defensively, Hayden demonstrated good hands at shortstop, consistently fielding with confidence and making strong, accurate throws across the diamond. His accurate arm and ability to read hitters give him the tools to be a standout in the infield. On the mound, Hayden’s fastball was clocked at 73 MPH, and he also showed good movement on his curveball (64 MPH) and changeup (66 MPH). He has the ability to pitch to both sides of the plate, using his pitches to keep hitters off balance. His ability to mix speeds and attack the zone effectively makes him a solid pitching prospect. With continued development of his mechanics and pitch command, Hayden has the potential to be an effective pitcher at the next level. At the plate, Hayden showed excellent strike zone awareness, allowing him to consistently make solid contact and put the ball in play. His on-plane swing and ability to hit line drives make him a consistent hitter, and his contact skills help him avoid swings and misses. During the tournament, Hayden drew two walks, showing patience and discipline. He also collected two singles, drove in two runs, and hit a walk off home run, showcasing his power and ability to come through in key moments. Additionally, he stole one base, showing his speed and baserunning ability. Overall, Hayden is a well-rounded prospect with the tools to contribute both offensively and defensively. His ability to pitch effectively, play solid defense at shortstop, and produce offensively with a good mix of contact and power makes him a valuable two-way player. With continued development, Hayden has the potential to be a key contributor at the next level.