Paul Smith gives Rice a middle-of-the-order bat with pop and clutch feel
In the 2026 season, Rice’s Paul Smith emerged as a real offensive driver, leading the Owls in home runs (13), RBI (49), total bases (111), slugging (.563), and walks (37) while ranking sixth in the American Athletic Conference in homers. He’s a physical switch-hitter/first-base-catcher type who brings legit pull-side power, patience, and timely production, with multiple game-changing hits in conference play. The fit is clear: if a team wants an experienced, bat-first corner piece who can punish mistakes and handle pressure without shrinking, Smith looks like a strong add.
