Diamondbacks grab Virginia star Pavin Smith No. 7 overall
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 |
Take a look ...
HEADLINES
- SEC, Big Ten form advisory group to address issues in college sports
- Tennessee, Virginia AGs suing NCAA over NIL restrictions
- Year in photos: 33 of the best sports snapshots of 2023
- Northwestern axes baseball coach Foster amid misconduct allegations
- Red Sox select Virginia catcher Kyle Teel 14th overall