Former Diamondbacks First Baseman On The Move
Coming up short of a playoff birth in 2018, the St. Louis Cardinals made a splash here at the beginning of the winter that strongly announces their intentions to contend in 2019.
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a multiplayer deal on Wednesday.
The Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange will receive Luke Weaver, Carson Kelly and Andy Young. In addition to that, the Diamondbacks will also receive a 2019 Competitive Balance Round B draft pick from the St Louis.
Goldschmidt, one of the MLB’s premier sluggers, bolsters a Cardinals lineup that took off in the second half of the season after the team fired World Series winning manager Mike Matheny.
The 31-year-old slugger has been named an All-Star in each of the past six seasons. This past season he batted .290 with 33 home runs, 83 RBIs, and 35 doubles. He also walked 90 times, finishing with a .922 OPS, which ranked third in the National League.
The St. Louis Cardinals went 88-74 last season, finishing in third place behind the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Team president John Mozeliak and the Cardinals front office believe this move will improve St. Louis’ offense, which finished tied for 10th in runs scored with 759 runs.
Goldschmidt leaves the Arizona Diamondbacks franchise as one of it’s best ever players. Since 2012, he’s been one of the best hitters in the MLB and has a good glove at first base. He ranks sixth in home runs (201), third in RBIs (684) and 3rd in OBP (.400).
He is set to be a free agent following the 2019 season in which he is scheduled to make $14.5 million.
What are your thoughts on the St. Louis Cardinals adding Goldy? Leave your comments below!