D-backs' Smith gives big Christmas surprise
Pavin Smith followed a memorable first pro season with a Christmas his parents will never forget.
The D-backs' top prospect gave his mother Pamela and father Tim a letter informing them that he's paying off the mortgage on the family's house.
"Thank you for raising me in a great home filled with love," Pamela read in a video Smith tweeted. "Because of all the sacrifices you made to get me where I am, I want our family home to be yours."
Thank you for everything you have done for me! This doesn't make up for any of it. Love you both so much. Our home is finally all YOURS. Merry Christmas! pic.twitter.com/h9wog2HfHv
- Pavin Smith (@PavinSmith) December 25, 2017
The seventh overall pick from this year's Draft can be seen smiling in the video after his parents, overcome with gratitude, stop reading the letter.
Smith, MLB.com's No. 63 overall prospect, signed with a bonus worth "just over $5 million," according to MLB Pipeline. The 21-year-old first baseman batted .318/.401/.415 over his first 51 professional games, helping the Class A Short Season Hillsboro Hops reach the Northwest League playoffs.
He was also a Northwest League All-Star, and Toolshed recently listed him as a prospect with the potential to develop in the mold of Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto.
Josh Jackson is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @JoshJacksonMiLB.