SAN DIEGO – The first base position for the Arizona Diamondbacks has had little to no offensive stability, and the problems surrounding Pavin Smith need to be addressed. Whether it’s power, on-base ability or run production, contenders rely on that spot to anchor the middle or bottom of the lineup, and it hasn’t come to fruition for the D-backs. That’s what makes the Arizona Diamondbacks’ situation so difficult to explain.
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Jun 15, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona designated hitter Smith against the Los Angeles Angels at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Diamondbacks making history with Pavin Smith🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XYX3nNQDA2
— Bo (@BMaster30) July 9, 2026
Pavin Smith has had 1430 at-bats with the Arizona Diamondbacks over his 7 years with the team
Surely he would have at least 0.1 career WAR in that time… right? pic.twitter.com/HtgnHf8n9n
— Justin Martinez Enthusiast 🏴 (@JMartEnthusiast) July 9, 2026
What should the D-backs do about Pavin Smith?
Arizona is currently on pace to receive the lowest OPS from its first basemen of any team since 1920. That isn’t simply below average; it places this group in a category no organization wants to occupy. Much of that production falls on Pavin Smith so far this season, whose .141 batting average, one home run, and six RBIs illustrate the offensive struggles. Every player deserves time to work through adversity, but baseball is ultimately a results-driven sport. When struggles extend over months instead of weeks, organizations have to ask whether patience has become costly. That’s where Tyler Locklear enters the conversation.
Tyler Locklear goes wayyy deep in Reno!@Aces | #Dbacks pic.twitter.com/w7mtQlOxoY
— Diamondbacks Prospects 🐍 (@dbacksprospectz) July 8, 2026
While Smith continues receiving opportunities in Phoenix, Locklear has been one of Reno’s hottest hitters recently, posting a .346 batting average with a .469 on-base percentage during July. Those numbers don’t guarantee immediate major league success, but they do present Arizona with something it currently lacks: momentum and the possibility of offensive upside.
Aug 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona first baseman Smith tosses his bat after striking out in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Update to table from my June 16 articlehttps://t.co/SBjZ5jG8wJ
Thru 9/3/24 Smith career 92 wRC+, or about 8% below avg
9/4/24-4/22/25 Insane 137 PA hot streak 219 wRC+!
Since 4/23/25 bottom fell out 67 wRC+
Now has career 98 wRC+, and projected for 95
Strange career pic.twitter.com/vqykFnuDzs
— Jack Sommers (@shoewizard59) July 9, 2026
For Arizona fans, the frustration isn’t just about Smith’s numbers. It’s about process. Winning teams consistently create accountability by rewarding production, regardless of where it comes from. When his struggles continue while a productive minor leaguer waits, it naturally raises questions about organizational priorities. If the D-backs want to rediscover consistency at the plate, first base appears to be the most logical place to start. History suggests the current approach isn’t working, and sometimes the biggest improvement comes from simply giving someone else the opportunity to change the conversation.
Mar 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona first baseman Smith (26) hits a RBI single during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-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
