Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Pavin Smith

Pavin Joe Smith (born February 6, 1996) is an American professional baseball and for the Diamondbacks of (MLB). A native of , Smith played college baseball at the , where he helped the Cavaliers win the 2015 as a freshman and amassed 178 career RBIs, second in school history, and 28 home runs, tied for sixth-most, during his tenure. The Diamondbacks selected him seventh overall in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft, and he signed a professional contract shortly thereafter. Smith made his MLB debut on September 12, 2020, and has since established himself as a left-handed batting, left-throwing capable of contributing at first base and in the outfield. His breakout came in 2023, when he appeared in the postseason for the Diamondbacks, including the , , and , as the team reached the Fall Classic for the first time since 2001. In 2024, Smith enjoyed a strong season with a .270 , 9 home runs, and 36 RBIs over 60 games before injuries, including oblique strains in April and July, limited his 2025 campaign. That year, he suffered a left strain in late August that led to his placement on the 60-day and ended his season after just 87 games. Through the end of 2025, Smith's MLB career statistics include a .246 , 45 home runs, 180 RBIs, and a .736 percentage over 543 games.

Amateur career

High school career

Pavin Smith attended Palm Beach Gardens Community High School in , where he played as a two-way player. As an 11-year-old, he participated in the Babe Ruth League's 2008 Cal Ripken Major70 in , representing a Palm Beach Gardens team that won the tournament by defeating 5-4 in the championship game. In the final, Smith hit two solo home runs, contributing to his team's 16 total homers in the event. During his high school career under coach Joe Russo, Smith earned three first-team all-conference honors after receiving second-team recognition as a and was a four-time all-county selection. As a senior, he was named first-team all-state and selected to the and Palm Beach County all-star teams, along with earning third-team preseason All-American honors from Baseball America. That year, Smith batted .395 with seven home runs and 30 while excelling on the mound with a 5-0 record, 0.66 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and only six walks over 32 innings. Following his senior season, Smith was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 32nd round of the 2014 MLB Draft but chose not to sign, honoring his to attend the , where he committed as a to play .

College career

Smith enrolled at the University of Virginia in 2014 and played college baseball for the Virginia Cavaliers from 2015 to 2017, primarily as a first baseman and left fielder. As a freshman in 2015, Smith started all 68 games, batting .302 with 83 hits, and contributed significantly to Virginia's national championship run in the College World Series. In the decisive Game 3 of the finals against Vanderbilt, he went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run home run to tie the score at 2-2 in the fourth inning and a go-ahead RBI single in the fifth that proved to be the game-winner in Virginia's 4-2 victory. For his efforts, Smith earned Freshman All-America honors from Baseball America, D1Baseball, and Louisville Slugger (second team), as well as a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team and the All-NCAA Lake Elsinore Regional Team. Following the , Smith underwent surgery on his left elbow in October 2015 but returned for the 2016 season, where he appeared in 59 games and batted .329 with eight home runs and 57 RBIs, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors and a place on the NCAA Charlottesville Regional All-Tournament Team. He became the first player to hit multiple home runs in an NCAA tournament game that year, achieving the feat against East Carolina. In his junior year of 2017, Smith had a breakout season, batting .342 with 13 home runs and a school-record 77 RBIs in 60 games, while drawing 38 walks against just 12 strikeouts, which earned him First-Team All-ACC recognition and a semifinalist nod for the . He set a program record with four home runs across his NCAA tournament appearances. Over his three-year college career, Smith compiled a .325 with 28 home runs (tied for sixth in UVA history), 178 RBIs (second in school history), and 373 (eighth in program history). After his junior season, Smith decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2017 MLB Draft, where he was selected seventh overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Professional career

Minor league career

Smith was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the seventh overall pick in the out of the and signed for a $5,016,300 bonus, the full slot value for his draft position. Following his signing, he made his professional debut with the of the , where he batted .318 with 27 RBIs over 51 games as a . In 2018, Smith advanced to the of the , adjusting to more advanced pitching and posting a .255 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs in 120 games. The season represented a developmental step, as he focused on refining his approach against better velocity and breaking balls, though his overall production showed promise in power output. He also appeared in 17 games for the Salt River Rafters in the , batting .250. Smith earned a to the Double-A of the Southern League in 2019, where he delivered a breakout campaign with a .291 , 12 home runs, and 67 RBIs across 123 games. His improved plate discipline and consistent contact led to discussions within the about a potential mid-season or postseason to Triple-A, highlighting his readiness for higher levels as a corner with emerging versatility. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the , depriving Smith of a full year of development at Double-A or above and stalling his momentum after two consecutive seasons of progress. Through 2019, his totals stood at a with 23 home runs and 148 RBIs in 294 games, underscoring his evolution from a college hitter into a professional prospect capable of handling first base duties while adapting to outfield roles.

Major League Baseball career

Smith made his Major League Baseball debut with the Diamondbacks on September 12, 2020, against the Seattle Mariners, where he recorded his first hit off pitcher . His initial appearances were limited to 12 games that season, batting .270 with one and four RBIs during the abbreviated 60-game schedule. In 2021, Smith emerged as a regular for the Diamondbacks, appearing in 145 games and posting a .267 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs. This breakout performance established him as a key part of the lineup, leveraging his left-handed power and defensive versatility at first base and in . Smith's 2022 season was marked by inconsistencies, as he played in 75 with a .220 , nine home runs, and 33 RBIs. Injuries and situations limited his opportunities, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Reno midseason before a . By 2023, Smith's role shifted primarily to a bench player and option, appearing in 69 with a .188 , seven home runs, and 30 RBIs. He contributed sporadically off the bench, including in the postseason during Arizona's run, but struggled with consistency against right-handed pitching. A career highlight came in 2024 on September 8 against the Houston Astros, when Smith hit three home runs—including a off —and drove in eight RBIs in a single game, powering a Diamondbacks victory. This performance underscored his power potential in limited at-bats, as he batted .270 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs across 60 games that year. Entering 2025, Smith's role expanded to a more consistent position following Joc Pederson's departure in free agency, forming a left-handed option against right-handers. He appeared in 87 games, batting .258 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs, showing improved plate discipline. However, injuries limited his season: he suffered a right oblique in early July, placing him on the 10-day on July 6 and missing six weeks until his activation on August 18, followed by a left quadriceps in late August that led to his placement on the 10-day retroactive to August 28. The Diamondbacks transferred him to the 60-day list on September 5 and activated him on November 6. Through the 2025 season, Smith has compiled a .246 , 45 home runs, and 180 RBIs over 448 games with the Diamondbacks. His career trajectory reflects an evolution from a and bench contributor to a potential everyday option at first base or , bolstered by his preparation that honed his readiness for big-league demands.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Pavin Smith was born on February 6, 1996, in , to parents Tim and Pamela Smith, who provided strong support for his early interest in . His father worked as a golf representative for the organization. Smith is married to Amanda Cheney, a former gymnast for the Gators, with their wedding taking place on December 11, 2020. The couple welcomed their daughter, Cheney Joy Smith, on December 6, 2023. As a Major League Baseball player, Smith maintains close family ties, exemplified by his 2017 decision to use part of his signing bonus to pay off his parents' mortgage on their home as a gesture of gratitude for their lifelong support. He and his wife navigate the challenges of MLB travel schedules while prioritizing family, including time with their young daughter amid the demands of .

Other personal details

Pavin Smith was named after , whom his father, Tim Smith, represented as a sports agent during his career in management. This naming choice reflects early familial influences from the world of , blending and in Smith's upbringing. In a gesture of gratitude for his parents' support throughout his development as an athlete, Smith used a portion of his $5 million from the 2017 MLB Draft to pay off the mortgage on his family's home in . He presented the gift as a surprise, accompanied by a heartfelt letter expressing appreciation for the loving environment they provided. Smith maintains strong ties to his Florida roots, having been born and raised in Jupiter, where he grew up rooting for the local Florida Marlins during their 2003 World Series championship run. These connections highlight his enduring affinity for his hometown community, even after relocating for his professional career. Demonstrating personal values centered on compassion and giving back, Smith has participated in charitable initiatives, including a 2023 partnership with fellow player Chris Stratton to support Compassion International's efforts aiding mothers and babies in need, aiming to raise $7.5 million. In 2025, he visited pediatric patients at a local hospital alongside teammate Ryan Thompson to provide encouragement and distraction during treatments. Additionally, Smith engaged with youth at the Arizona Diamondbacks' Boys & Girls Clubs annual Trunk or Treat event, fostering community spirit through interactive activities.

References

  1. [1]
    Pavin Smith Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
    Pavin Smith Bio · Fullname: Pavin Joe Smith · Born: 2/06/1996 in Jupiter, FL · Draft: 2017, Arizona Diamondbacks, Round: 1, Overall Pick: 7 · College: Virginia ...
  2. [2]
    Pavin Smith - Virginia Sports
    28 career home runs, tied for sixth in program history. 178 career RBI, second in school history. Four of his home runs came in NCAA tournament play, a program ...
  3. [3]
    Pavin Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
    Pavin Smith ; Positions: Outfielder and First Baseman ; Bats: Left • Throws: Left ; Team: Arizona Diamondbacks (majors) ; Born: February 6, 1996 in Jupiter, FL us.
  4. [4]
    Diamondbacks 1B Pavin Smith likely out for rest of 2025
    Aug 30, 2025 · Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith is “trending toward” missing the remainder of the 2025 season due to a quad injury, manager Torey ...
  5. [5]
    Pavin Smith's 2025 Season Ends After Latest Roster Move
    Sep 5, 2025 · The move guarantees that Smith's 2025 season comes to an official end. He suffered a left quad strain on August 27th against the Cincinnati Reds ...
  6. [6]
    Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith: Transferred to 60-day IL - CBS Sports
    Sep 5, 2025 · Smith's season is over after suffering a strained quad earlier this week. The lefty-hitting outfielder and first baseman appeared in just 87 ...
  7. [7]
    NEW: Baseball standout pays off parents' Jupiter home as Christmas ...
    Dec 26, 2017 · ... Baseball Draft, Pavin Smith knew he wanted to do something special for his parents ... Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, Md., in August 2008.
  8. [8]
    Fla. team wins title on homer – Baltimore Sun
    The U.S. representative at the Cal Ripken 12-and-under World Series – Jupiter, Fla. ... Yesterday, Heister took his cue from teammate Pavin Smith, who twice hit ...
  9. [9]
    Former Palm Beach Gardens star Pavin Smith hits three home runs ...
    Sep 9, 2024 · He was an excellent two-way player for the Gators in Palm beach County, pitching to a 5-0 record with a 0.66 earned run average as a senior, ...Missing: ERA | Show results with:ERA
  10. [10]
    Pavin Smith mops up as pitcher vs. Padres - MLB.com
    Jun 8, 2024 · In fact, he signed a letter of intent to go to the University of Virginia to pitch, but an injury in fall baseball prior to his freshman ...
  11. [11]
    Arizona Diamondbacks: Pavin Smith's gift to parents continues impact
    Dec 23, 2018 · He made the high school varsity team as a freshman, and a year later he was recruited by and committed to Virginia. “As a sophomore when he ...
  12. [12]
    Virginia beats Vanderbilt, 4-2, wins baseball national title
    Jun 24, 2015 · Pavin Smith hit a home run and drove in three runs, and Brandon Waddell turned in another strong College World Series pitching performance, leading Virginia ...
  13. [13]
    UVa Baseball: Will Pavin Smith play after surgery? - 247 Sports
    Oct 15, 2015 · Smith, who played first base and outfield last year, is recovering from Tommy John surgery that he received a week after the Wahoos won the ...
  14. [14]
    Golden Spikes Spotlight: Pavin Smith | USA Baseball
    No matter what else happened in his career, Pavin Smith secured his Virginia legacy in the final game of his freshman year.Missing: decision | Show results with:decision
  15. [15]
    Virginia's Pavin Smith Drafted No.7 overall by the Arizona ...
    Jun 12, 2017 · Virginia's Pavin Smith Drafted No.7 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. For the fourth straight year, the Hoos have a first round draftee.
  16. [16]
    2017 Draft: Signing and Bonus Tracker - MLB.com
    Jul 6, 2017 · ARI - Pavin Smith, 1B, Virginia $5,016,300 (Pick value: $5,016,300) Starting assignment: TBD 8. PHI - Adam Haseley, OF, Virginia $5,100,000 ...
  17. [17]
    D-backs sign Draft picks Smith, Varsho - MLB.com
    Jun 21, 2017 · Smith signed for $5,016,300, per MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, the full slot value for the seventh overall pick in the 2017 Draft. The club also ...Missing: bonus | Show results with:bonus
  18. [18]
    Pavin Smith College, Amateur, Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics
    Pavin Smith College, Amateur, Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics including batting, fielding, prospect rankings and more on Baseball-Reference.com.
  19. [19]
    Pavin Smith emerging as big-league option for Arizona Diamondbacks
    Feb 19, 2020 · Smith hit .350/.419/.589 in his final 52 games of last season, finishing with the third-best OPS (.835) in the Southern ...
  20. [20]
    2020 Season Officially Canceled | MiLB.com
    Minor League Baseball announced today that the 2020 baseball season has officially been canceled due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
  21. [21]
    Pavin Smith Baseball Stats | Arizona Diamondbacks - FantasyPros
    Get the latest stats for Pavin Smith (Arizona Diamondbacks) for 2025 and previous seasons ... 2021, ARI, 145, 498, 68, 133, 27, 4, 11, 49, 42, 4, 1, 106, 1, 0 .
  22. [22]
    Pavin Smith - Arizona Diamondbacks First Baseman - ESPN
    Status. OUT. 1 month agoThe Diamondbacks transferred Smith (quadriceps) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports. Data ...Stats · Game Log · News · Splits
  23. [23]
    Pavin Smith Stats: Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics
    1B Pavin Smith roster status changed by Arizona Diamondbacks. 06/22/2017, 1B Pavin Smith assigned to Hillsboro Hops. 06/21/2017, Arizona Diamondbacks signed ...
  24. [24]
    Pavin Smith tallies three homers, eight RBIs vs. Astros - MLB.com
    Sep 8, 2024 · Pavin Smith had a career-high three home runs -- a three-run homer, a grand slam and a solo blast -- and eight RBIs as Arizona snapped a three-game losing ...
  25. [25]
    Pavin Smith set to secure a larger role for Arizona Diamondbacks
    Feb 28, 2025 · The departures of Joc Pederson and first baseman Christian Walker in free agency left the Diamondbacks needing a DH to pair with Grichuk (after ...
  26. [26]
    Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Pavin Smith pays parents ...
    The D-backs' top prospect gave his mother Pamela and father Tim a letter informing them that he's paying off the mortgage on the family's house.Missing: background | Show results with:background
  27. [27]
    Field of Dreams - City Lifestyle
    For Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Pavin Smith, becoming a part of Major League Baseball took him a long way from home—both literally and figuratively.
  28. [28]
    Rubenstein: Tough Team To Beat | Golf News and Tour Information
    Jan 12, 2009 · "I told her I wasn't thinking of the first name Corey, but Pavin." They named him Pavin Smith. Thirteen years later, Tim Smith, after working ...
  29. [29]
    A swing as special as his name - KOLO
    Aug 13, 2024 · Named after professional golfer Corey Pavin, Pavin Smith one of Reno Aces best power threats. ... Pavin Smith has been in the Arizona Diamondbacks ...Missing: life | Show results with:life
  30. [30]
    D-backs draftee Pavin Smith surprises parents with mortgage payoff
    Dec 26, 2017 · Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Pavin Smith gave his parents a house for Christmas. Smith, the seventh overall pick in this year's amateur ...Missing: family | Show results with:family
  31. [31]
    Pavin Smith grew up in Jupiter, rooted for Marlins but now plays for ...
    May 4, 2022 · The Jupiter native and Palm Beach Gardens High School graduate hit a two-run, ninth-inning homer off reliever Anthony Bender Wednesday afternoon ...Missing: record 5-0 0.66 ERA
  32. [32]
    World Series competitors Chris Stratton and Pavin Smith team up on ...
    Oct 27, 2023 · World Series competitors Chris Stratton and Pavin Smith team up on behalf of moms and babies in need. Athletes to raise $7.5 million for ...
  33. [33]
    Banner Health on Instagram: "Arizona Diamondbacks players Pavin ...
    Jul 12, 2025 · Arizona Diamondbacks players Pavin Smith and Ryan Thompson recently brought smiles, laughter and some much-needed distraction to pediatric patients.
  34. [34]
    D-backs Give Back - Facebook
    Rating 5.0 (2) Pavin Smith and Andrew Saalfrank stopped by our D- backs Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley - Arizona to hang out with kids at our annual Trunk or Treat event!