Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paul Goldschmidt

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 MLB. Before joining the Yankees, he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals. Goldschmidt has also represented the United States in international baseball competitions, demonstrating his skill and contribution to the sport on both the professional and international levels.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers

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

2009: Drafted by the Diamondbacks

In 2009, Paul Goldschmidt was selected by the Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the MLB draft after playing college baseball.

August 1, 2011: MLB Promotion and First Hit

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

2011: MLB Debut

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

2011: Achievements in the Minor Leagues

In 2011, Paul Goldschmidt played for the Mobile Bay Bears, leading all minor leaguers in home runs and RBIs. He 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: Postseason Grand Slam

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

June 1, 2012: First Career Regular-Season Grand Slam

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

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: All-Star Selection and Season-Ending Injury

In 2014, Paul Goldschmidt was the starting first baseman for the National League in the MLB All-Star Game. On August 1, 2014, he suffered a broken bone in his left hand after being hit by a pitch, ending his season prematurely.

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.

2016: All-Star Game Appearance

In 2016, Paul Goldschmidt was selected to appear in the MLB All-Star Game, where he went 0-for-3.

August 3, 2017: First Three-Home Run Game

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

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: Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals

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

2018: Traded to the Cardinals

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

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.

April 20, 2019: Longest Career Home Run

On April 20, 2019, in a game against the New York Mets Paul Goldschmidt hit a 465-foot home run off Paul Sewald.

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 stadium.

July 26, 2019: Home Run Streak

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

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

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 victory and extending his hitting streak to 15 games.

June 11, 2022: Reached Base Streak Ends

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

July 5, 2022: 1,000th Career Run

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

August 6, 2022: Announced Participation 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.

2022: Named NL Hank Aaron Award Winner and MVP

In 2022, Paul Goldschmidt was named the National League Hank Aaron Award winner. He also won his first National League Most Valuable Player Award and was awarded his fifth Silver Slugger Award.

2023: First MLB Player in Five Countries

In 2023, Paul Goldschmidt became the first player in MLB history to play regular-season games in five different countries, including the United States, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

July 26, 2024: 2,000th Career Hit

On July 26, 2024, Paul Goldschmidt achieved his 2,000th career hit during a game against the Washington Nationals, becoming the 295th player in Major League history to reach this milestone.