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Diamondbacks grab Virginia star Pavin Smith No. 7 overall

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With the seventh overall pick in the 2017 MLB amateur draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Virginia first baseman Pavin Smith.

Smith, a junior at Virginia, is considered one of the best college bats available in the draft. His smooth-hitting approach helped his school make a run to the College World Series in 2015. Even though he profiles similarly to former Virginia catcher Matt Thaiss - drafted No. 16 overall by the Los Angeles Angels in 2016 - Smith is expected to play first base once he goes pro.

Bio

Age: 21
Position: 1B
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 210 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
School: University of Virginia
Pick value (#7): $5,016,300
MLB.com money quote: "In 2016, Virginia catcher Matt Thaiss was thought to be one of the best pure college bats in the country. This year, it's Smith's turn. With a polished approach that has allowed him to hit throughout his Cavaliers career, including playing a pivotal role in the school's run to the College World Series title in 2015, some added power has him being mentioned high in the draft despite likely being a first baseman only."

2017 stats

PA AVG OPS HR BB/K SB 
261 .346 1.000 12 36/9 2

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