Diamondbacks remove Pavin Smith from 40-man roster, reinstate 3 players from 60-day IL

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a series of roster moves after MLB free agency officially opened Monday afternoon: First baseman Pavin Smith was outrighted off the 40-man roster, becoming a minor-league free agent, while first baseman Tyler Locklear, right-handed pitcher Cristian Mena and left-handed pitcher Andrew Saalfrank were reinstated from the 60-day injured list.

Smith had been one of the longest-tenured Diamondbacks, having made his debut in 2020 and being part of the roster that went on a run to the 2023 World Series. He missed significant time during 2025 and 2026 with injuries and was designated for assignment in July after struggling in the first half of the season.

After clearing waivers and spending time with Triple-A Reno, the D-backs called Smith back up for the final stretch of the season. He hit a walk-off home run on the same night as the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series team reunion ceremony, but still ended the season slashing just .193/.262./.294.

A No. 7 overall pick in 2017, Smith appears to be off the team after 488 games, in which he hit 48 home runs and 192 RBIs with a .242/.325/.398 slash line.

Arizona could be eyeing another left-handed bat that can slot in at first base or designated hitter in free agency.

Three Diamondbacks reinstated from 60-day IL

Locklear, who was placed on the 60-day IL on Sept. 12, could be someone to watch out for playing time at first base after being reinstated Monday. The right-handed bat has dealt with a variety of injuries since arriving in Arizona via the trade that sent Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners.

A fractured thumb was responsible for Locklear’s most recent IL stint, which occurred when he got hit by a pitch in a Triple-A game. Locklear appeared for the D-backs in 46 games across 2025 and 2026, in which he batted .201 with four home runs and 12 RBIs.

Mena was Arizona’s 11th-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline in 2024, but fell to 26th in 2026 and underwent season-ending right shoulder surgery in June. He debuted in the big leagues for a single start in 2024, then came up briefly for three relief appearances in 2025.

Saalfrank underwent season-ending left shoulder surgery in February after a successful 2025 season, pitching to a 1.24 ERA in 28 games. He could be a left-handed option in Arizona’s bullpen for 2027.

The Diamondbacks’ 40-man roster is now at 33 following the moves.

Related

Trio of Diamondbacks win Gold GlovesReport: Michael Soroka declines mutual option with Diamondbacks, enters free agencyReport: Diamondbacks hiring Ben Fritz to become pitching coachNolan Arenado offered to play first base for DiamondbacksCorbin Burnes will opt into Diamondbacks contract, per reportDiamondbacks expected to listen to Ketel Marte trade offers once again