Players To Watch: Diamondbacks Vs. Marlins

Paul Goldschmidt

Jul 19, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt slides into second base with a double in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I feel like putting Paul Goldschmidt as a player to watch is the biggest cop-out in the world, but it’s true. Goldschmidt is far and away the best player on the Diamondbacks, and he’s quickly (even quietly) rocketed into the league’s elite.

In fact, he’s probably the most underrated superstar in the game. Playing for a generally mediocre team can do that to your star status; in fact, he’s currently on track to top his 2013 campaign, a year that many argue should have guaranteed him the Most Valuable Player award. Weirdly, no one seems to be talking about him, at least not to the extent that he deserves (which is a lot).

The archaic “MVP should be on a playoff team” way of thinking has hurt Goldschmidt’s MVP chances once in his young career, and it could happen again this year. He’s currently hitting .340 with 72 RBIs (he had 125 in his MVP-contention year). He’s also already tied his career-high with 19 intentional walks on the season, which is both a testament to him and the lack of true protection around him.

His batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage are all higher than they were in his 2013 season. Player to watch? Yeah, no kidding.

Look for Goldschmidt to continue to be the best thing in Arizona.