Paul Goldschmidt has been one of the National League’s best hitters for a handful of years but might have started slowing down a bit last year with St. Louis. Here are two props available to wager at Mybookie on Goldschmidt’s and the Cardinals’ 2020 MLB season – assuming there is one – and an overview.
Paul Goldschmidt MLB Awards Odds & Analysis For 2020 Season
- NL MVP Award: Goldschmidt is +3000
- Odds to win NL Central: Cardinals are +225 co-favorites
Goldschmidt was one of the best players in the National League with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2012-2018 but was traded before last season for financial reasons to the Cardinals for right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly and infielder Andy Young.
Considered the face of the Arizona franchise, Goldschmidt was a consistent performer both at the plate and in the field during his eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, winning four Silver Slugger Awards and three Gold Gloves. He was an All-Star for six straight seasons and a top-six finisher in the National League Most Valuable Player race four times. However, his contract was up after 2019 and the Snakes didn’t think they could afford him.
On the eve of the 2019 season, the Cardinals handed him a five-year deal worth around $130 million, the largest contract in franchise history, eclipsing the seven-year, $120 million deal that Matt Holliday signed with the club in January 2010. The new extension takes him through his age-36 season.
Goldy had a good if not great 2019 campaign. He led Cardinals in HR (34), RBI (97), hits (155), walks (78), slugging percentage (.476), game-winning RBI (15) and multi-hit games (46) and was T1st runs (97). He played in 161 games, T2nd in the National League and most by a Cardinals player since Albert Pujols played in 161 in 2001 and 2005. The one game Goldschmidt sat out was the final game of back-to-back doubleheaders vs. CIN (8/31-9/1).
He was voted NL Player of Month for July; he co-led the National League in July RBI (27) & runs (20). It was his first monthly award since June 2018. Goldschmidt also ranked among National League leaders in September in RBI (24, 2nd), walks (22, 4th), doubles (9, T4th) and extra base hits (15, 6th).
In addition, the first baseman is one of three players who have scored 70 or more runs in 8 straight seasons (2012-19) with Mike Trout & Edwin Encarnacion. Goldschmidt homered in career-high 6 straight games 7/22-7/27, matching the Cardinals record held by Matt Carpenter & Mark McGwire. He also established the team season-best streak of runs & RBI in 6 straight games, with 13 RBI during time.
After the 2019 All-Star break, Goldschmidt hit 18 homers and 60 RBIs. The RBIs were the most since Pujols had 66 in 2008. Goldy hit 30 or more home runs for the 5th career season and 3rd straight.
Paul Goldschmidt was limited to DH duties in the early part of the Grapefruit League schedule this spring to due to some mild soreness in his right elbow, but it wasn’t thought to be anything serious. However, Goldschmidt continues to go to the Cardinals’ spring training complex in Florida to undergo preventative care and treatment on his ailing right elbow. Only one player and one trainer are allowed at Roger Dean Stadium at the same time as the Cardinals are observing social distancing protocols. Before the season was delayed, Goldschmidt moved his family down to Jupiter, Fla.
Goldschmidt has scaled back on his workouts some, but with a new virtual reality tool he purchased this spring, he can stay sharp against any MLB pitching he wants.
Goldschmidt said, “It’s everything and more you’d get from watching normal video but instead of on a flat screen you’re in it.” it will be extremely interesting to see if there is a true difference when play starts back up again.”
