Pavin Smith is poised for a breakout season with the Arizona Diamondbacks as he steps into a larger and more significant role for the 2025 campaign. The left-handed-hitting first baseman has faced challenges in carving out a permanent spot in the majors, spending the past three seasons bouncing between Triple-A and the big leagues. After a promising 2024 season, Smith is eager to embrace the challenge and make an impact.
Challenging Start to Pavin Smith’s Career
Smith was regarded as one of the best and most advanced college bats in the 2017 MLB Draft when the Diamondbacks selected him seventh overall. However, his professional career began with struggles, preventing him from advancing past Double-A early on. He struggled with strikeouts and failed to display the power that scouts had expected. Nonetheless, in 2020, during the pandemic, Smith made strides at the alternate training site and earned his first MLB call-up in September. He hit .270 with one home run in 12 games, showing promise.
After disappointing seasons in 2022 and 2023, which saw Smith shuffle between Triple-A and the majors, fans began to question whether he would be removed from the 40-man roster. However, Smith had a strong Spring Training in 2024, demonstrating he could still be a valuable contributor. Despite being one of the final cuts, it was clear that Smith would be called up again at some point.
Smith Filled in Well
Throughout the 2024 season, Smith once again shuffled between Triple-A and the big league roster, filling in for injured players. He played in 60 games with the Diamondbacks, primarily in the corner outfield spots. He finished the season strong, posting a .270 batting average and a .973 OPS over his final six weeks. Smith hit six home runs and drove in 20 RBI in 31 games, including three home runs in a against the Houston Astros on a Sunday Night Baseball national broadcast.
Time at DH and First Base
As the 2025 season unfolds, Smith is expected to split time with Randal Grichuk at designated hitter, as well as fill in at first base and the outfield when needed. With the trade for Josh Naylor, Smith will see time at first base, providing rest days for Naylor. The Diamondbacks are aiming for Smith to play around 110 games and record 450 at-bats.
Smith Can Be a Strong Hitter
Smith has shown that he can be a solid hitter and maintain good control of the strike zone. However, at times, his swing tends to drop, leading to ground ball outs and strikeouts. During spring training this year, Smith has been working closely with hitting coach Joe Mather to adjust his swing and footwork, helping him trust his approach at the plate.
Pavin Smith is looking to build on the momentum from last season and is set to break out in 2025. This could be the year everything comes together for him. Manager Torey Lovullo has been a strong supporter of Smith, and with the opportunity for regular playing time, we’ll see if Smith can put up strong offensive numbers while showcasing his defensive abilities. If he can contribute to the team’s success and help push the Diamondbacks into playoff contention, Smith’s breakout season will finally come to fruition.
Main Photo: © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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