Paul Goldschmidt is Hot But Diamondbacks Are Not

Through games of June 1st, the Arizona Diamondbacks are in fourth place in the National League West with a record of 23-27, seven games behind the first place Los Angeles Dodgers. Arizona is under .500 both at home and on the road. But this portrait of mediocrity is not the fault of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who has been putting together an MVP type of season.

Goldschmidt is hitting .351 with 15 homers and 43 RBIs. He’s got a slugging percentage of .670, an on base percentage of .459, and an OPS of 1.130. He’s second in the National League in all those statistical categories except in homers where he is tied for third. Here’s a look at his two home run performance against Milwaukee on May 30th, a 7-3 Diamondbacks victory:

Goldschmidt reached base a franchise record seven times in Arizona’s 17 inning loss to the Brewers on May 31st. He was three for four with a home run, plus the Brewers wisely walked him four times.

Goldschmidt had a breakout year in 2103, with 36 homers, 125 RBIs and a .302 average. He suffered a broken hand August 1st of last season, but is obviously as good as new this year. At 27, Goldschmidt may still be approaching his peak and is one of the more exciting young players out there.