Arizona Diamondbacks: Ascertaining Paul Goldschmidt’s value

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt remains one of the most underpaid players in the game.

Most will concede that first baseman Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks is one of the most undervalued players in the game.

The fact that he is under control by the Diamondbacks through next season should be a principal offseason project for general manager Mike Hazen. Goldschmidt’s value to the team is as  significant as any elite player to his team. Numbers are relatively consistent to from year to year, and his glove ranks as one of the best at his position.

According to Baseball Reference, Goldschmidt made $8.875 million last season and is due to earn $11.1 million next season. The 2019 season is an option year, and the numbers are $14.5 million if the Diamondbacks pick up his option. All of which centers around the willingness of Ken Kendrick, the club’s general managing partner and CEO Derrick Hall to open talks.

For the coming season, economics, more than player movement, will likely guide the Diamondbacks’ behavior. While the center of attention will be on the retention of outfielder J.D. Martinez, Goldschmidt’s contribution will have a tendency to slip under the radar.

The day after the Arizona Diamondbacks were eliminated from postseason play, Goldschmidt, as he cleaned out his locker at Chase Field, told Call to the Pen he will flat out not discuss any willingness to open talks with the club nor enter into any contract discussion.

Over the past several seasons, as his star among elite player in the game rose, Goldschmidt remained steadfast in his desire to keep such private matters private.

Yet, the compassion between Goldschmidt and other players of similar age and production cannot be brushed aside. The Diamondbacks, in good faith, need to publicly recognize his contributions on the field, in the clubhouse and in the community.

In assisting his team into the postseason, Goldschmidt, along with Nolan Arenado of the Rockies, Joey Votto of the Reds and Giancarlo Stanton of the Marlins are the principals who enter the discussion for National League MVP.

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While Stanton drew considerable attention because of his NL-leading 59 homers and NL-leading 132 RBI, Goldschmidt was aided by a supporting cast which helped the Diamondbacks finish seventh in league batting average (the Marlins were second behind the Rockies), but, as a team, hit more homers than the Marlins, drove in more runs, lead the NL in doubles and triples and drew more walks.

The numbers between Goldschmidt and Votto are more telling.

For 2016, Votto earned $22 million for a Cincinnati team that finished 68-94 and in last place in the NL Central Division. For each of the next six years, Votto is scheduled to earn $25 million each season.

Between the lines, Votto hit. 320 (fourth in the NL) and Goldschmidt hit. .297. Each hit 36 homers and Votto drove in 106 runs to Goldschmidt’s 117. That was an increase of 12 RBI for Goldschmidt over the 2016 season.

Votto led the NL in walks, and Goldschmidt finished fourth. In hits, Votto collected 179 and Goldschmidt had 166. Votto led the NL in on-base percentage and Goldschmidt was fifth. Votto was fifth (.371) in batting average with RISP and Goldschmidt (.365) placed sixth. Also, Votto topped the NL intentional walks and Goldschmidt was third.

In most regards, the balloting for MVP will likely come down to Arenado and Goldschmidt, two players which led their teams into postseason play.

For Arenado, who earned $11.750 million in 2017 and is set to make the same for next season, the comparison with Goldschmidt remains relatively even.

For the season, Arenado hit .309, and that was good for eighth best in the NL. Arenado scored 100 runs, but led the lead the NL in doubles (43), tied for third in homers (37), sixth in hits (187), third in total bases, fourth in slugging percentage (Votto was sixth and Goldschmidt (eighth), second (.385) in RISP, but not place in the top 10 in walks. Votto led the NL in walks (134) and Goldschmidt was fourth (94).

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Numbers aside, Goldschmidt’s value to the Diamondbacks remains vital. Throughout the season, manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen that Goldschmidt’s leadership, play by example and team-oriented approach clearly make the 30-year-old a leading MVP candidate.

Now, the Arizona Diamondbacks need to pull out a blank check and show their appreciation.