Bullard native Hagen Smith shows early MLB promise

BULLARD, Texas (KETK)-- Former Bullard Panthers pitcher Hagen Smith is quickly making headway in MLB after making his debut for the Chicago White Sox earlier this month.

Smith was drafted by the White Sox in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft after a stellar college career at the University of Arkansas, where he was named SEC Pitcher of the Year during his final season with the Razorbacks.

After spending less than two years in the minor leagues, Smith made his MLB debut for Chicago on Aug. 9 and has since quickly become one of the most dominant rookie pitchers in the league.

Since making his debut, Smith has been coming out of the bullpen for the White Sox and currently holds a solid 1.50 ERA and has only allowed one hit through six innings of work while striking out 10 batters.

While it remains uncertain whether or not Smith will be part of the postseason roster for the White Sox, his first few weeks in the big leagues indicate that the East Texas native has a long MLB career ahead of him

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