Diamondbacks Outright Pavin Smith off 40-Man

Arizona clears a roster spot by removing the veteran first baseman while reinstating three pitchers and infielders from the 60-day injured list.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Baseball

Diamondbacks Outright Pavin Smith off 40-Man

The Arizona Diamondbacks outrighted first baseman Pavin Smith off the 40-man roster, making him a minor-league free agent. The team also reinstated first baseman Tyler Locklear and pitchers Cristian Mena and Andrew Saalfrank from the 60-day injured list, leaving the 40-man roster at 33 players.

Why it matters

The moves reshape Arizona's first base and bullpen depth heading into the offseason, as the club weighs whether to pursue another left-handed bat in free agency. Smith's departure closes out a career in which he was drafted seventh overall in 2017.

Smith's career totals of 48 home runs and 192 RBIs in 488 games stand against a 2026 slash line of .193/.262/.294. Locklear batted .201 with four home runs and 12 RBIs across 46 games in 2025 and 2026.

The players

Pavin Smith

A first baseman drafted seventh overall in 2017 who debuted with Arizona in 2020 and spent parts of several seasons with the Diamondbacks.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Major League Baseball franchise based in Phoenix that reached the World Series in 2023.

The details

Smith was outrighted after MLB free agency opened and cleared waivers, then spent time with Triple-A Reno before being called back up for the season's final stretch. Mena underwent season-ending right shoulder surgery in June, and Saalfrank had left shoulder surgery in February after posting a 1.24 ERA in 28 games in 2025.

2017: Smith selected as the No. 7 overall pick.
2020: Smith makes his MLB debut.
July 2026: Smith designated for assignment.
November 3, 2026: Smith outrighted and Locklear, Mena and Saalfrank reinstated.

Season Trajectory

The Diamondbacks are using the standard 40-man roster process that governs outrights during the offseason, clearing space as free agency opens. Arizona's approach to first base and the bullpen will shape its competitive window heading into 2027.

Fantasy managers tracking first base should note Smith is no longer on the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster and that Locklear is back from the injured list. Saalfrank's return gives Arizona a left-handed reliever option once he is healthy.

The takeaway

Roster moves like these often signal a team's plans well before free agency begins, so watch for the Diamondbacks' next signings at first base and in the bullpen. Tracking outright and reinstatement transactions can help fans anticipate lineup changes.