Fantasy Baseball 2015: Paul Goldschmidt is still a Top Pick
Jul 22, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (left) and Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Montero at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
On August 1st, Paul Goldschmidt owners were dealt a fastball to the hand as they lost their top draft pick for the season.
Prior to fracturing his left hand, Goldy had 75 runs, 19 home runs, 69 RBI’s, 9 steals, and a slash line of .300/.396/.542 in 109 games. If Paul Goldschmidt was able to play all 162 games this year, then he was on pace to finish with 111 runs, 28 home runs, 103 RBI’s, and 13 steals.
In 2013, Goldschmidt recorded 103 runs, 36 home runs, 125 RBI’s, 15 steals, and a slash line of .302/.401/.551. That performance put Goldy in the MVP running and cemented his status as a truly elite fantasy player. While he likely would have hit less homers and RBI’s this season, Paul Goldschmidt was still one of the best fantasy players in the game.
His 2014 numbers were on pace to be good enough to warrant another selection in the top five in next year’s drafts. There is really nothing alarming about his stats. His RBI total went down because the guys hitting in front of him simply did not hit. I can live with 28 homers, especially if Goldschmidt contributes in all five categories.
The only question remaining for 2015 is the fractured left hand. For me, this does not affect his status. It was a freak accident that should have zero impact on him next season. This is not a power-sapping injury or one that should lead to an injury-plagued career. I fully expect Goldy to be back to a top five fantasy baseball player in 2015.
Paul Goldschmidt just celebrated his 27th birthday, so he should really be entering his prime now. It is possible he gets even better. Plus, I expect more production and better health from A.J. Pollock and Mark Trumbo in 2015, so the RBI and run scoring opportunities should increase.
To me, there is no concern. I would draft the top first baseman as high as third overall. The only two players I have ahead of Paul Goldschmidt are Mike Trout and Giancarlo Stanton. After that, you could draft Paul Goldscmidt, Clayton Kershaw, Andrew McCutchen, Jose Abreu, Carlos Gomez, Miguel Cabrera, or another elite player.
For me, it is all systems go to draft the best player on the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015. Let’s just hope that he can avoid a fastball to the hand in his next great campaign.