ST. LOUIS – For months, Arizona Diamondbacks fans have been asking the same question: When will the organization finally make a change at first base?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/XLy5A0laB2
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 24, 2026
That question was partially answered when the club designated Carlos Santana for assignment. The veteran was brought in to stabilize a position that had become a weakness, providing experience, defense, and hopefully some reliable production. Instead, injuries and inconsistency defined his time in Arizona. The player signed to be a solution became another problem for a team fighting to remain relevant in a competitive National League race.
D-backs first baseman Santana (41) during a spring training game against the Brewers at Salt River Fields on March 20, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The reaction from fans was immediate and overwhelmingly positive.
But while Santana’s departure was celebrated, it also created a new debate. If performance was truly the standard, why is Pavin Smith still on the roster? The frustration isn’t difficult to understand. Smith owns a .167 batting average with just eight hits in 48 at-bats. His four runs scored and eight RBIs offer limited offensive value, and the lack of production has become increasingly noticeable as Arizona searches for consistency throughout the lineup.
D-backs fans react to roster changes:
Santana DFAed. Good!
— Serpientes 🇮🇩 (@KudadiriKudir) June 24, 2026
CARLOS SANTANA 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😂😂😂😂😹😹😹😹😂😂😂😹😹😹😹😹😹😂😂😂😹😹😹😹
— Alex (@1011ap4) June 24, 2026
Yay no more Santana lets gooooo
— Azsportsgirl224 (@studios2491) June 24, 2026
CARLOS SANTANNA OFF MY TEAM WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
— Bryce (@bryce6801) June 24, 2026
You forgot 4-3 Pavin on the DFA list
— Dante (@DizzleAZ) June 24, 2026
And yet pavin survives 😄
— Ian (@keeblerelf92) June 24, 2026
Oh now DFA Pavin Smith next!!!!
— Frank the Tank (@Diamondback1325) June 24, 2026
Smith is gone in a day or 2 once Kepler is eligible to play
— Kolo (@Skolo5525) June 24, 2026
This is bigger than comparing two players. It’s about accountability.
Fans can accept struggles when there is a clear developmental plan. What they struggle to accept is inconsistency in decision-making. When one underperforming player is removed while another remains, supporters naturally question the criteria being used. That matters because roster decisions shape trust while winning organizations establish standards and apply them evenly. Fans notice when those standards appear flexible.
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona first baseman Santana (41) makes a catch in the infield during the fifth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks have taken one step by moving on from Santana. Whether it proves to be the right baseball decision will be determined over time. The larger question remains unanswered of whether production is driving personnel decisions, and who will be next? Until Arizona provides that answer, the conversation surrounding Pavin Smith isn’t going away.
Jun 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona outfielderSmith against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
