The Detroit Tigers drafted Smyly in the second round (68th overall) of the 2010 MLB draft. He signed with the Tigers, receiving a $1.1 million signing bonus. Pitching for the Lakeland Tigers of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League and the Erie SeaWolves of the Class AA Eastern League, Smyly was named the Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2011, pitching to an 11–6 win–loss record in 22 games (21 starts) with a 2.07 earned run average (ERA) and 130 strikeouts in 126 innings pitched. He was also FSL Pitcher of the Week on June 13, and an MiLB.com Tigers Organization All-Star.
