Pavin Smith – Arizona Diamondbacks Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Pavin Joe Smith has made a real impact on the Arizona Diamondbacks roster since his MLB debut back in September 2020. Born in Jupiter, Florida on February 6, 1996, Smith kicked off his road to the majors after the Diamondbacks picked him seventh overall in the 2017 draft, following a strong college run at Virginia.

As of 2025, Pavin Smith brings in a salary of $1.5 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and his total net worth is estimated at $6,761,875. He’s bounced between first base and right field, giving the team some much-needed flexibility, even though he’s faced platoon situations lately.

Smith keeps working on his game as he carves out his spot in MLB. The Diamondbacks have shown faith in his potential with his contract, which has grown from his earlier deals. Fans are keeping an eye on this former first-rounder to see how he handles the top level of the sport.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Pavin Smith’s baseball journey started with a lot of family support and some standout performances at high school and college. He kept getting better and started turning heads as a baseball prospect.

Family Background

Pavin Joe Smith was born on February 6, 1996, in Jupiter, Florida. He grew up in a supportive home, and his family played a big part in getting him started with baseball.

His parents spotted his athletic talent early and pushed him to join local youth leagues around Jupiter. The Smiths went to Miami Marlins games together, and those trips really sparked Pavin’s love for baseball.

His dad spent a lot of time with him, working on his hitting and fielding in the backyard. Jupiter’s baseball scene is pretty lively, and the warm Florida weather meant Smith could play all year.

That gave him a leg up on kids from colder places.

High School Achievements

At Jupiter High School, Smith quickly made a name for himself as a baseball talent. He played both first base and outfield, showing off the versatility that would help him later on.

His left-handed swing had some real pop, but he still made good contact.

As a senior, Smith put up some eye-catching stats:

• .385 batting average
• 8 home runs
• 30+ RBIs
• All-County selection

College scouts liked his mature approach at the plate. He rarely chased pitches outside the zone, which is pretty rare for a high schooler.

Smith finished his high school career as one of the best prospects in Florida. MLB teams showed interest in drafting him right away, but Smith decided to play college ball instead.

College Baseball Journey

Smith enrolled at the University of Virginia and quickly became one of college baseball‘s top hitters. He mostly played first base for the Cavaliers and worked hard on his swing and defense.

Some college highlights:

Freshman Year (2015)

• Started 67 games
• Helped Virginia win the College World Series

Sophomore Year (2016)

• Boosted his power numbers
• Made the All-ACC Second Team

Junior Year (2017)

• Broke out with a .342 batting average
• Hit 13 home runs and showed great plate discipline
• Named First-team All-ACC

Smith’s strong college numbers really boosted his draft stock. His mix of contact hitting, growing power, and defensive skills made him a hot prospect for MLB teams.

That run at Virginia led the Diamondbacks to grab him with the seventh pick in the 2017 MLB Draft.

Professional Career Highlights

Pavin Smith’s pro career has had its share of big moments, starting with draft day and continuing with his steady development on the Arizona Diamondbacks. His climb through the minors and into MLB shows his potential as a first baseman and outfielder.

MLB Draft and Signing

The Arizona Diamondbacks picked Pavin Smith seventh overall in the 2017 MLB Draft out of Virginia. As one of the most hyped college hitters, Smith signed for a $5,016,300 bonus and instantly became one of the team’s top prospects.

Smith’s college stats made him an easy choice for the Diamondbacks. He hit over .340 his junior year and walked more than he struck out.

After signing, Smith landed with the Hillsboro Hops in Class A Short Season. He got off to a hot start, batting .318 in his first 42 games.

His smooth lefty swing and patient approach helped him adjust to pro pitching quickly.

Arizona Diamondbacks Debut

Smith made his MLB debut on July 26, 2020, during the shortened pandemic season. At just 24, he got called up earlier than most expected because the roster needed him.

He played 12 games as a rookie, which isn’t much, but he got a taste of big-league pitching.

In 2021, Smith played his first full MLB season. He appeared in 145 games, moving between first base and all three outfield spots.

That year, he hit .267 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs.

His ability to play all over the field made him a valuable utility guy for the Diamondbacks. He fit in well with emerging stars like Corbin Carroll.

Notable Performances and Milestones

Smith’s career has had some memorable moments. In May 2021, he launched his first MLB home run off Clayton Kershaw—talk about a tough pitcher to face for your first! Later that year, he had his first multi-homer game against the Pirates.

The 2022 season wasn’t easy. Smith struggled with consistency and bounced between Triple-A Reno and the majors. Still, he kept grinding and worked on his approach.

In 2023, Smith signed a one-year contract worth $1,500,000 with the Diamondbacks. His salary jump shows the team still believes in his upside.

Some other highlights:

• Represented the Diamondbacks in the 2018 MLB Futures Game
• Reached base safely in 24 straight games in 2021
• Played five different positions, showing off his defensive flexibility

Position and Role on the Team

Pavin Smith has carved out a role as a versatile defender for the Diamondbacks, splitting his time between the outfield and first base. This flexibility has given the team more options when setting the lineup.

Primary Positions

Smith mainly plays as an outfielder and first baseman for Arizona. Since debuting in September 2020, he’s moved around the diamond and handled each spot pretty well.

In right field, Smith has covered a lot of ground and shown a steady glove. His left-handed arm is strong enough to keep runners honest.

At first base, he brings solid footwork and knows how to handle the bag. This kind of flexibility helps the Diamondbacks mix and match their lineup depending on the matchup.

Smith’s ability to fill in anywhere, without really dropping off defensively, has come in handy when injuries pile up or when the team wants to adjust for certain pitchers.

Role Among Diamondbacks Outfielders

Within the Diamondbacks’ outfield mix, Smith plays a key supporting role alongside guys like Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy. The team has built a young, athletic group of outfielders, and Smith fits right in.

He often competes for playing time with Thomas, who’s a standout defender in center, and McCarthy, who brings a lot of speed. Before his trade to the Blue Jays, Daulton Varsho was also part of this outfield competition.

Prospects like Dominic Fletcher are pushing for big-league time too, which keeps Smith on his toes.

Smith’s left-handed bat brings some balance to the lineup, so managers often slot him in against righties. If the outfield is crowded, he can slide over to first base to stay in the lineup.

Pavin Smith’s Contract Details

Pavin Smith’s MLB contract has changed a lot since he first signed with the Diamondbacks. His pay has gone up over the years, and some key milestones have shaped his earnings and role on the team.

Current MLB Contract Structure

Right now, Smith is playing on a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Arizona, signed in January 2025. That’s double what he made before.

His deal doesn’t include any known trade clauses or performance incentives for 2025.

The Diamondbacks have taken a careful approach with Smith’s contract, sticking to short-term deals that give both sides flexibility. This current deal shows the team’s cautious optimism about his growth, while still keeping payroll in check.

Smith’s annual pay ranks him in the lower-middle range for MLB first basemen and outfielders.

Salary Progression and Bonuses

Smith started off strong with a $5 million signing bonus after the draft. His salary has climbed as he’s gotten more MLB experience:

• 2021: $574,600
• 2022: $722,900
• 2023: Contract details weren’t fully released
• 2025: $1,500,000

That’s a pretty typical salary path for young MLB players—big jumps come as they rack up service time. Most estimates put Smith’s net worth around $6,761,875, thanks mostly to his signing bonus and steady salary increases.

The Diamondbacks haven’t included any reported performance bonuses in his deals.

Club Option and Free Agency Eligibility

Smith’s current contract doesn’t mention any club options for 2026, so his future with Arizona is a bit up in the air. As he racks up more service time, he’s getting close to arbitration eligibility, which could really boost his earnings.

MLB rules say players usually become free agents after six years of service time. Smith stays under team control for a few more seasons before he can hit free agency.

The Diamondbacks have some big decisions to make about Smith as they try to balance:

1. His development and production at the MLB level
2. Payroll commitments to other key players
3. Their long-term roster strategy

Smith’s 2025 season could end up playing a big role in what kind of contract he lands next.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Pavin Smith has built up a solid financial base during his time with the Diamondbacks. Most of his income comes from MLB contracts, but he’s also added to it with endorsements and other sources.

Career Earnings Breakdown

Pavin Smith kicked off his MLB career when the Arizona Diamondbacks picked him seventh overall in the 2017 draft.

He landed a hefty signing bonus right out of the gate, which really gave his finances an early boost.

Right now, Smith earns a salary of $1,500,000 with the Diamondbacks. That number shows how much the team values him these days.

His last contract paid him $750,000 each year, so his pay has jumped up quite a bit.

Smith’s net worth sits at an estimated $6,761,875, which takes into account his earnings, expenses, and taxes.

You can see his earnings have grown over time:

• Rookie contract and signing bonus in 2017
• Salary during pre-arbitration years
• His current $1.5 million contract for 2025

Endorsements and Off-Field Revenue

Smith hasn’t landed the big endorsement deals that MLB stars like Anthony Rizzo have, but his off-field earnings are picking up.

Most of his endorsements come from Arizona-based companies and baseball gear brands.

He’s worked on growing his personal brand, especially through social media and getting involved in the community.

That extra effort has brought in some side income beyond his baseball salary.

Smith seems to prefer a conservative approach with his investments—nothing too flashy, just steady.

There’s not a ton of detailed financial reporting on him out there, but experts often say young players like Smith focus on building a stable portfolio early on.

He’s also shown up at charity events. Sure, it’s about giving back, but let’s be honest—it helps his public image and keeps his name out there.

Comparison With Notable MLB Peers

When you stack up Smith’s financial standing against some big MLB names, you’ll spot some pretty clear gaps in earning power. Guys like Anthony Rizzo and Xander Bogaerts pull in way more cash, mostly because they’ve got longer resumes and more leverage in free agency.

Rizzo has already built a net worth north of $50 million. Then there’s Bogaerts, who landed a massive $280 million deal with the Padres back in 2022. That kind of money really puts Smith’s current earnings in perspective.

Still, Smith’s financial path looks pretty normal for someone at his point in their career.

If you look at where Smith stands:

• He sits below established stars like Bogaerts.
• He’s about even with players who have similar experience and stats.
• He’s definitely ahead of minor league players and the newest draft picks.

Smith has a real shot at boosting his future earnings, especially if he keeps developing as a player. First basemen and outfielders who hit well usually see their salaries jump a lot during arbitration and free agency.