Pavin Smith will remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization after clearing waivers.
The Arizona Diamondbacks will keep first baseman Pavin Smith in the organization after he cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Reno. The move comes one week after Arizona designated the former first-round pick for assignment as part of a series of roster changes.
Although Smith is eligible to decline the outright assignment because he has more than three years of major-league service time, doing so would require him to forfeit the remainder of his $2.25 million salary for 2026.
Injuries, offensive struggles changed the outlook
The move marks a disappointing turn for a player who entered recent seasons looking like a long-term contributor in Arizona.
After a productive 2024 campaign and another solid offensive showing in 2025, the Diamondbacks envisioned Smith filling the strong side of a platoon at first base entering this season.
That plan unraveled almost immediately when he was sidelined by left elbow inflammation after just two games.
Although Smith returned in early June, he never found consistent production at the plate. Across 89 plate appearances, he posted a .141 batting average with one home run while struggling to generate hard contact.
His strikeout rate improved considerably compared to last season, but the results failed to follow as an unusually low batting average on balls in play limited his offensive output.
Former top pick gets another opportunity
Arizona selected Smith with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, and he quickly developed into one of the organization's top prospects.
His biggest breakthrough came in 2024, when he flashed the offensive potential that made him such a highly regarded prospect.
He followed that with another above-average season in 2025, though his production cooled significantly after a scorching first month and lingering concerns remained about his performance against left-handed pitching.
Now, Smith's focus shifts to Triple-A, where he will attempt to rebuild his value and earn another opportunity in the majors.
Path back to Arizona remains open
Despite the demotion, Smith could still factor into Arizona's plans later this season.
The Diamondbacks have relied on utility players to handle first base in recent weeks, and the club could either give Smith another chance if he regains his swing or explore outside additions before the trade deadline if Arizona remains in postseason contention.
If Smith is not restored to Arizona's 40-man roster before the end of the season, he would become eligible for free agency after the year, potentially bringing an end to a tenure that began with high expectations as one of the organization's top draft picks.
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