A pair of second-half injuries limited Smith to just 87 games, including only eight appearances after July 5. He was productive when healthy, though his performance represented a step down from the previous season. In 2024, his success was more skill-supported compared to last year, when he required an inflated .377 BABIP to offset a career-high 31.9 percent strikeout rate. As has been true throughout his career, Smith rarely faced left-handed pitching, with 92 percent of his plate appearances coming against right-handers. After trading Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez at last season's deadline, the Diamondbacks are reshaping their lineup, leaving Smith to compete for playing time at first base and designated hitter. While he has been productive in back-to-back seasons, relying on a third straight year carries risk unless he can rein in the strikeouts, as another BABIP spike is unlikely. Read Past Outlooks