The Arizona Diamondbacks designated first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith for assignment on July 10, 2026. The corresponding move: recalling top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt from Triple-A Reno.
Smith, 30, was the 7th overall pick in 2017. He debuted in 2020 and posted a .260/.338/.412 slash line over 2021-2022. Those numbers made him a core piece of Arizona’s rebuild.
Then the decline began.
From 2023 through mid-2026, Smith’s strikeout rate climbed to 26.4%. His isolated power fell below .150. He lost time to Christian Walker at first base and struggled to hit left-handed pitching (.198 average). Injuries and demotions to Reno followed.
The DFA opens a 40-man roster spot. Waldschmidt, a 2024 first-round pick, brings elite speed and defensive versatility. He is expected to platoon in the outfield immediately.
Smith’s lack of defensive value (limited to 1B/LF) and inability to adjust to major league pitching sealed his fate. He now faces a waiver claim by a rebuilding team like the Rockies or Athletics, or a minor league deal to reset his career.
For the Diamondbacks, the move signals a clear strategic shift: prioritizing homegrown talent over veteran stopgaps. Waldschmidt’s call-up, alongside prospects like Druw Jones, aligns with Arizona’s 2026 playoff push.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did the Diamondbacks DFA Pavin Smith?
- A: Smith’s strikeout rate climbed to 26.4%, his power declined, and he struggled defensively and against left-handed pitching, making him expendable as the team prioritizes prospects like Ryan Waldschmidt.
- Q: What is Ryan Waldschmidt’s role after the call-up?
- A: Waldschmidt, a 2024 first-round pick, brings elite speed and defensive versatility and is expected to platoon in the outfield immediately.
- Q: What are Pavin Smith’s options after being DFA’d?
- A: Smith can be claimed off waivers by a rebuilding team like the Rockies or Athletics, or sign a minor league deal to reset his career.
Extended Reading
MLB Trade Rumors reported the DFA on July 10, 2026. NBC Sports confirmed the recall of Waldschmidt from Reno. Smith’s career arc mirrors other first-round busts whose skill sets failed to evolve as the league adjusted.