FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Former University of Arkansas standout left-hander Hagen Smith reached a major career milestone by taking the mound for his first postseason start, opening the American League Division Series for the Chicago White Sox against the Houston Astros, according to the Arkansas Razorbacks athletic department. Selected fifth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Smith entered the postseason assignment following an impressive rookie campaign in Chicago.
Smith’s appearance in Game 1 placed him in elite franchise history. At 23 years and 41 days old, he became the second-youngest pitcher in White Sox history to start a playoff game, trailing only Jason Bere, who started at 22 years and 136 days in 1993. Furthermore, Smith joined a select group of only four rookies in club annals to earn a postseason starting assignment, standing alongside Dane Dunning in 2020, Bere in 1993, and Dickey Kerr in 1919.
Rookie Campaign and Collegiate Roots
The left-hander carved out a stellar path to the major leagues through his standout collegiate career in Fayetteville from 2022 to 2024 under head coach Dave Van Horn. Transitioning quickly to the professional ranks, Smith posted a 3-3 record with a sharp 1.29 ERA and 41 strikeouts across 28 innings over 18 regular-season appearances during his debut MLB season.
Smith was joined on the White Sox 26-man postseason roster by fellow former Razorback Andrew Benintendi. Benintendi, who starred for Arkansas from 2014 to 2015 and won a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, completed a consistent regular season in Chicago, slashing .240/.302/.413 with 15 home runs and 78 RBIs across 141 games.
Franchise Stakes and Postseason Outlook
The decision to hand the ball to a rookie left-hander for the opening game of a high-stakes divisional series underscores the confidence the Chicago coaching staff places in Smith’s electric stuff. Facing a formidable Houston lineup, the rookie delivered a scoreless outing, anchoring the White Sox pitching strategy as the franchise pursues the Commissioner’s Trophy.
For the Arkansas baseball program, Smith’s postseason start adds to a rich tradition of former players reaching the pinnacle of professional baseball. Six former Razorbacks have previously captured a World Series title, and Smith’s progression highlights the ongoing pipeline of talent developing under Van Horn’s program in Fayetteville.