Three potential landing spots for former NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt
By Kevin Henry | Last updated 10/5/24
After six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, including a 2022 campaign that saw him win the National League Most Valuable Player Award, reports indicate that first baseman Paul Goldschmidt’s time with the Cardinals will likely end this offseason.
One of the reasons why the 37-year-old Goldschmidt will likely not return to the Redbirds is the drop-off in production over the last two campaigns at the plate. Since slashing .317/.404/.578 with an OPS+ of 177 in 2022, Goldschmidt has posted a combined .257/.333/.430 with an OPS+ of 109 in the 308 games that have followed
With St. Louis implementing a new direction after missing the postseason the last two years, where could Goldschmidt land for the next chapter of his MLB career? Here are three potential spots where Goldschmidt could sign a short-term deal.
1. Arizona Diamondbacks
Goldschmidt was drafted by Arizona in 2009 and made his MLB debut with the franchise in 2011, eventually playing eight seasons in the desert.
Returning to Arizona would make sense from an emotional standpoint as well as adding another bat to a team that just missed the postseason in 2024.
The Diamondbacks may lose Christian Walker in free agency, so Goldschmidt could fill a need at first base. Joc Pederson, who logged a team-leading 105 games at designated hitter for Arizona last season, is also a free agent, so there is potentially another spot in the lineup where Goldschmidt could make an impact.
2. Houston Astros
Last season, Houston’s first basemen combined to produce -3.0 bWAR, ranking the squad 28th out of MLB’s 30 teams. With its quick exit this postseason and questions about what to do at first base among Houston’s biggest problems to solve this offseason, Goldschmidt could provide a short-term answer that would potentially help the Astros.
It would also give the veteran a chance to chase a World Series appearance, something that has eluded Goldschmidt during his 14-year MLB career.
With Houston general manager Dana Brown saying that getting “back deep into the postseason” is one of the goals for 2025, signing a veteran like Goldschmidt could help solidify that goal.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Brewers “still believe there’s plenty left in the tank” when it comes to Goldschmidt. After winning the NL Central this season but being ousted in the wild-card round, Milwaukee is expected to look at players who can help it go deeper in 2025.
Rhys Hoskins will return to Milwaukee next season, and he took the majority of plate appearances at first base last season for the Brewers. However, Milwaukee finished tied for 25th among MLB’s 30 teams in combined bWAR at the position, accounting for -2.4. It’s an area where the Brewers may look to add some additional pop.
