Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paul Goldschmidt

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

Paul Goldschmidt, nicknamed "Goldy", is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the New York Yankees in MLB. Previously, he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals. He has also represented the United States in international baseball competitions. Known for his offensive prowess and defensive skills at first base, Goldschmidt has established himself as one of the premier players in MLB.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Drafted by the Dodgers

In 2006, Paul Goldschmidt was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 49th round of the MLB draft, though it was unlikely he would sign with them.

2009: Drafted by the Diamondbacks

In 2009, Paul Goldschmidt was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the MLB draft after playing for the Texas State Bobcats.

2010: Matt Holliday's Contract

On March 23, 2019, Goldschmidt and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $130 million, eclipsing the seven-year, $120 million contract with Matt Holliday signed in 2010.

August 1, 2011: Major League Promotion

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

2011: Minor League Success

In 2011, Paul Goldschmidt excelled in the minor leagues, playing for the Mobile Bay Bears. He led minor leaguers in home runs and RBIs. 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 in 2011.

2011: MLB Debut

In 2011, Paul Goldschmidt made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2011: Postseason Grand Slam

In the 2011 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, Paul Goldschmidt hit a grand slam in Game 3, contributing to the Diamondbacks' first victory of the series.

June 1, 2012: First Career Grand Slam

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

August 20, 2013: Third Grand Slam of the Season

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

2014: Contract Extension

Before the 2013 season, the Diamondbacks and Paul Goldschmidt agreed to a $32 million contract covering the 2014 through 2018 seasons with a club option for the 2019 season worth $14.5 million.

2014: All-Star and Season-Ending Injury

Paul Goldschmidt was the starting first baseman for the National League in the 2014 MLB All-Star Game. On August 1, 2014, he sustained a season-ending hand injury after being hit by a pitch.

June 10, 2015: 100th Career Home Run

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

August 3, 2017: Three Home Run Game

On August 3, 2017, Paul Goldschmidt hit three home runs in a game for the first time, helping the Diamondbacks win 10–8 against the Chicago Cubs.

September 13, 2017: 1,000th Career Hit

On September 13, 2017, Paul Goldschmidt recorded his 1,000th career hit in a game against the Colorado Rockies.

2017: Postseason Performance

In the 2017 National League Wild Card Game, Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run home run. However, he struggled in the 2017 NLDS, batting only .091 as the Diamondbacks lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

August 3, 2018: 200th Career Home Run

On August 3, 2018, Paul Goldschmidt hit his 200th career home run against Chris Stratton of the San Francisco Giants.

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

On December 5, 2018, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Paul Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals.

2018: Trade to Cardinals

In 2018, Paul Goldschmidt was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the St. Louis Cardinals during the offseason.

March 23, 2019: Contract Extension with the Cardinals

On March 23, 2019, Paul Goldschmidt and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $130 million, spanning the 2020–24 seasons.

April 20, 2019: Longest Career Home Run

On April 20, 2019, Paul Goldschmidt hit a 465-foot home run off Paul Sewald that became both his longest career home run and the longest home run hit at Busch Stadium during the Statcast era.

June 21, 2019: Foul Ball out of Busch Stadium

On June 21, 2019, in a game against the Los Angeles Angels, Paul Goldschmidt hit a foul ball that flew over the upper deck seating and out of the current Busch Stadium, a first for the stadium.

July 26, 2019: Home Run Streak

On July 26, 2019, in a game against the Houston Astros, Paul Goldschmidt reached a streak of six home runs in six consecutive games, tying the Cardinals franchise record.

2019: Contract Option Exercised

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

2019: Trade to the St. Louis Cardinals

On December 5, 2018, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Paul 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.

October 28, 2020: Elbow Surgery

On October 28, 2020, Paul Goldschmidt underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow.

2020: Contract Extension with the Cardinals

On March 23, 2019, Paul Goldschmidt and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $130 million, spanning the 2020–24 seasons.

April 13, 2021: 250th Career Home Run

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

May 23, 2022: Walk-off Grand Slam vs. 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, securing a 7–3 win. This grand slam extended his hitting streak to 15 games.

June 11, 2022: Consecutive Games Reached Base Ended

On June 11, 2022, Paul Goldschmidt's streak of reaching base safely in 46 consecutive games ended in a game versus the Cincinnati Reds.

July 5, 2022: 1,000th Run Scored

On July 5, 2022, Paul Goldschmidt scored his 1,000th run in a game versus Atlanta.

August 6, 2022: Announcement to Play in 2023 World Baseball Classic

On August 6, 2022, Paul Goldschmidt announced that he would again play for the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

July 26, 2024: 2,000th Career Hit

On July 26, 2024, Paul Goldschmidt achieved his 2,000th career hit against the Washington Nationals, hitting a two-run home run off Kyle Finnegan in the bottom of the 10th inning.