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. Prior to joining the Yankees, he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals. Goldschmidt has also represented the United States in international baseball competitions. Known for his hitting prowess and defensive skills at first base, he has established himself as a prominent figure in Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2006, Paul Goldschmidt was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 49th round of the MLB draft, though the Dodgers knew he was unlikely to sign.

2009: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

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

2010: Contract Extension with the Cardinals

On March 23, 2019, Paul 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: Promotion to Major Leagues

On August 1, 2011, the Diamondbacks promoted Paul Goldschmidt to the major leagues, with plans to platoon him with Xavier Nady. Goldschmidt recorded a base hit in his first MLB at-bat.

2011: MLB Debut with Diamondbacks

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

2011: Postseason Debut and Grand Slam

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

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 at Wrigley Field.

August 20, 2013: Third Career Grand Slam

On August 20, 2013, Paul Goldschmidt hit his third career grand slam 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.

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: 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, in a game against the Colorado Rockies, Paul Goldschmidt recorded his 1,000th career hit.

2017: 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.

2017: National League Wild Card Game

In the 2017 National League Wild Card Game, Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run home run in the first inning, which helped the Diamondbacks win 11-8 over the Rockies. He batted .091 during the 2017 NLDS, where 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: Traded to St. Louis Cardinals

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

2018: 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.

2018: Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals

During the 2018-19 offseason, Paul Goldschmidt was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the St. Louis Cardinals.

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. Also in his second game with the Cardinals against the Milwaukee Brewers, he hit three home runs and became the first player in Major League history to hit three homers in either his first or second game with a new team.

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, which became both his longest career home run and the longest home run hit at Busch Stadium during the Statcast era.

July 26, 2019: Six Home Runs in Six Consecutive Games

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

2019: Diamondbacks Exercised Option

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

2019: 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.

2019: Traded to St. Louis Cardinals

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

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

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

June 11, 2022: Hit streak ends

On June 11, 2022, 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, Goldschmidt scored his 1,000th run in a contest versus Atlanta.

August 6, 2022: Announced return to World Baseball Classic

On August 6, 2022, 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 NL MVP

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

2023: Played in London Series

After playing in the 2023 London Series, Goldschmidt became the first player in MLB history to play regular-season games in five different countries.

2023: Return to World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Goldschmidt again played for the United States in the 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, becoming the 295th player in Major League history to reach that milestone.