Welcome to Pitcher Spotlights, a weekly feature from Prep Baseball Iowa, where we highlight the state's premier pitching prospects. These athletes bring exceptional talent to the mound, showcasing their skills and dedication to the game. Our Pitcher Spotlights are presented by True Pitch, the official mound company of Prep Baseball Iowa. Renowned for their durability, flexibility, and reliability, True Pitch mounds are trusted by top baseball parks and facilities across the United States.

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BRADY SMITH | DALLAS CENTER-GRIMES

Two years ago, we challenged Dallas Center-Grimes' Brady Smith (2027) to add size and strength—and he responded in a big way.

Back in October 2022, Smith attended a Rising Stars ID as a 5-foot-7 right-hander, topping out at 73 MPH. He showed clean actions in his delivery, but the key takeaway was his need to get bigger and stronger.

Fast forward two years, and Smith made a statement at the 2024 Preseason All-State. Now standing 5-foot-11 and carrying an extra 20 pounds, he was firing fastballs up to 85 MPH. It was almost as if he took the challenge personally.

There’s a lot to like about his athletic delivery. He has long limbs, moves aggressively after footstrike, and gets down the mound exceptionally well, closing the gap to hitters (his extension at the Super Sophomore Games measured 6.3 feet). His fastball reached 87 MPH during the 2024 Spring League, though he sat in the 82-85 range for most of the year. His lower slot generates heavy sink, producing 12-to-18 inches of arm-side run at the SSG.

His secondary pitches are still developing, but both his slider and changeup show promising east-west movement. With added velocity, they could become strong complements to his fastball.

Smith didn’t just shine at showcase events—he also delivered during his freshman high school season. He racked up 51 strikeouts, the second-most among Class 4A freshmen, while holding opponents to a .159 batting average, the lowest in the class.

Keep an eye on Brady Smith—he’s just getting started.