St. Louis Cardinals star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has struggled at the plate this season, but a resurgence could affect his upcoming contract negotiations and his future with the Cards. Goldschmidt has had, undoubtedly, one of the weakest offensive seasons of his career in 2024. While throughout his career he has typically struggled early in the season, a slump that continued through June and July was a major drawback during a lackluster season for the Cardinals.
With his five-year, $130 million contract coming to an end after this season, will an offensive bounceback in September influence his free agency?
Goldy and the Cardinals: Love at First Sight
The Cardinals acquired their franchise first baseman in a 2018 trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In exchange, the Diamondbacks received right-handed reliever Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, and infielder Andy Young. Weaver and Kelly have continued to be productive in the majors, albeit for teams other than the Diamondbacks.
Goldschmidt, meanwhile, appeared to be an answer to the Cardinals’ offensive struggles in his first years with the team. In 2019, he slashed .260/.476/.346 with 34 homers and 97 RBI. Then, in 2021, the Cardinals completed their corner infield by acquiring perennial Gold Glover Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. The Cardinals signed both players to long-term extensions, cementing them as cornerstones of their roster for years to come.
The peak of Goldschmidt’s career with the Cardinals came in 2022, when he won the National League MVP by slashing .317/.578/.404 with 35 home runs.
Now, as he turns 37, Goldschmidt’s massive contract with the Cardinals is coming to an end, but he has indicated that he definitely intends to continue playing in 2025, according to John Denton of MLB.com.
Paul Goldschmidt’s Future in St. Louis
To many, it seemed as though Goldschmidt was nearing retirement prior to his recent pronouncement. However, in September, Goldschmidt is currently hitting .341 with eight extra-base hits, and looks as though he has returned to his form of previous seasons. While he will continue to play in MLB, what does his future look like with the Cardinals?
Paul Goldschmidt is still playing baseball. pic.twitter.com/6chhArRMXC
— Dean Ciriaco (@skippsviewdean) September 12, 2024
The Cardinals have other, younger options at first base. Highly touted youngster Jordan Walker‘s natural position is at first. Recently called-up slugger Luken Baker also plays first, but he also has the potential to serve as a DH. Top offensive performer Alec Burleson also plays first in addition to left field and right field.
While there are other ways to get these players at-bats, the Cardinals may choose to free up Goldschmidt’s position in order to get playing time for these youngsters. It is not likely that Goldschmidt would accept a platoon spot on the Cardinals roster in 2025, especially considering that there are numerous other teams in need of a first baseman.
Proceed with Caution
While the seemingly obvious decision for a team in the midst of a quasi-youth movement is to part with aging stars, the Cardinals are also notorious for legacy contracts. Goldschmidt, having won an MVP and played six seasons with the team, is almost certainly in line for a spot in the Cardinals Hall of Fame. The Cardinals could choose to keep Paul Goldschmidt on the roster at a discounted rate and capitalize on his veteran presence in the dugout in the short-term future.
Carlos Santana, at age 37, signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Minnesota Twins for the 2024 season. Although his career production does not rival Goldschmidt’s, his recent production has. His .239 average in 2024 is only nine points lower than Goldschmidt’s .248. In all likelihood, Goldschmidt will sign a similar contract this offseason.
It remains to be seen if the Cardinals will be willing to extend such an offer, but it is certain that Goldschmidt’s resurgence at the plate in September will complicate this decision for them.
Photo Credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
