Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paul Goldschmidt

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 19, 2026

How Paul Goldschmidt built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Paul Goldschmidt is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). Previously, he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals. He has also represented the United States in international baseball competitions. Goldschmidt is known for his offensive skills and defensive abilities at first base, establishing himself as a prominent player in MLB.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2006, The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Goldschmidt in the 49th round of the MLB draft.

2006: The Woodlands wins Texas state championship

In 2006, with Goldschmidt playing third base, The Woodlands won the Texas state championship.

2008: Southland Conference Hitter of the Year

In 2008, Goldschmidt was named the Southland Conference hitter of the year while playing college baseball for the Bobcats at Texas State University.

2009: Awards and Honors

In 2009, Paul Goldschmidt was named the Southland Conference hitter and player of the year, and was a third-team All-American as a junior.

2009: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

In 2009, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Goldschmidt in the eighth round of the MLB draft. He signed with the Diamondbacks, receiving a $95,000 signing bonus.

2010: Matt Holliday Contract

In 2010 Matt Holliday signed a seven-year, $120 million contract with the Cardinals, that later was eclipsed by Goldschmidt in 2019.

August 1, 2011: MLB Debut

On August 1, 2011, Goldschmidt was promoted to the major leagues by the Diamondbacks and recorded a base hit in his first MLB at-bat.

2011: Diamondbacks' Player of the Year

In 2011, after a successful season with the Mobile Bay Bears, Goldschmidt was named the Diamondbacks' player of the year, a Baseball America first-team Minor League All-Star, Class AA all-star first baseman, Southern League all-star first baseman, and the Southern League's Most Valuable Player.

2011: Hits Grand Slam in NLDS

In the 2011 National League Division Series, Goldschmidt hit a grand slam in Game 3 to extend the team's lead, contributing to their first victory of the series.

June 1, 2012: First Career Grand Slam

On June 1, 2012, Goldschmidt hit his first career regular-season grand slam off of Carlos Mármol, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

August 20, 2013: Hits Third Grand Slam

On August 20, 2013, Goldschmidt hit his third grand slam against J. J. Hoover of the Cincinnati Reds.

June 10, 2015: 100th Career Home Run

On June 10, 2015, Goldschmidt hit his 100th career home run against Brett Anderson of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2016: All-Star Selection

In 2016, Goldschmidt was selected for the All-Star Game, going 0-for-3.

August 3, 2017: Three Home Runs in a Game

On August 3, 2017, Goldschmidt hit three home runs in a game for the first time, contributing to the Diamondbacks' 10–8 win over the Chicago Cubs.

December 5, 2018: Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals

On December 5, 2018, the Diamondbacks traded Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Luke Weaver, Carson Kelly, Andy Young, and a Competitive Balance Round B pick in the 2019 MLB draft.

2018: 200th Career Home Run

In 2018, on August 3, Goldschmidt hit his 200th career home run against Chris Stratton of the San Francisco Giants. He also won the NL Player of the Month Award in June.

March 23, 2019: Contract Extension with Cardinals

On March 23, 2019, Goldschmidt and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $130 million, spanning the 2020–24 seasons. The deal became the largest in team history.

2019: $14.5 Million Option Exercised

After the 2018 season, the Diamondbacks exercised the $14.5 million option on Goldschmidt's contract for the 2019 season.

April 13, 2021: 250th Career Home Run

On April 13, 2021, Goldschmidt hit his 250th career home run against the Washington Nationals.

May 23, 2022: Walk-off grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays

On May 23, 2022, Paul Goldschmidt hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the tenth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, leading to a 7–3 win and extending his hitting streak to 15 games.