PHOENIX — Pavin Smith’s designation for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks marked the end of his tenure in the Valley, but it also brought to a close one of the organization’s longest-running developmental projects that didn’t quite pan out as planned.
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Jul 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona selected Smith with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, believing his polished offensive approach would translate to the major leagues. A standout at Virginia, Smith was regarded as one of the draft’s most advanced college hitters, praised for his plate discipline, bat-to-ball skills and high floor.
In three seasons at Virginia, Smith batted .326 with a .403 on-base percentage, .515 slugging percentage and .918 OPS.
While other prospects carried louder tools or greater risk, Smith was viewed as the kind of player who would reach the majors and become a fixture. Instead, his career became a reminder of how difficult projecting amateur hitters can be.
Jun 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Pavin Smith against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For around seven seasons, the D-Backs remained committed to the first baseman, cycling him between Triple-A Reno and the majors while giving him opportunities at first base and designated hitter. Even as the organization went from rebuilding to National League contender, Arizona believed Smith would eventually break out.
That breakthrough never fully materialized. Since returning from left elbow surgery to remove loose bodies earlier this year, the left-handed hitter hasn’t produced the way the club needed him to. He hit .141 with one home run, six RBIs and a .428 OPS.
The patience the Diamondbacks showed reflected the investment they made in a top-10 draft pick and the challenge of knowing when to move on. Organizations don’t give up on top-10 picks easily, but Arizona had given Smith more than enough time to find his stride in the majors.
Jul 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Smith’s DFA also reflects how much the D-Backs have changed. During the rebuilding years, there was time to wait for a player to find his footing. Now, as Arizona tries to stack wins before the All-Star break and prepare for the second half of the season, it is firmly in win-now mode, where immediate production outweighs potential.
Smith ultimately fell short of expectations, but his path through the organization reflects the reality that every draft pick, no matter how safe he appears, comes with no guarantee of success.
Pavin Smith is being designated for assignment. Ryan Waldschmidt is coming back up.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 10, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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