The Arizona Diamondbacks' Dilemma: To Trade or Not to Trade Goldschmidt?
The clock is ticking for the Arizona Diamondbacks. With spring training just around the corner, the team's off-season moves have yet to address some critical areas. The bullpen remains largely untouched, and the left field position is still up for grabs. But one of the most intriguing storylines revolves around the potential return of a franchise icon: Paul Goldschmidt.
Goldschmidt, affectionately known as 'Goldy,' is undoubtedly the greatest position player in the Diamondbacks' history. His eight seasons with the team were nothing short of spectacular, averaging nearly five bWAR per season. He graced the All-Star game six times, finished in the top three in MVP voting thrice, and signed what is arguably the best value extension in franchise history.
However, with one year left on his contract, General Manager Mike Hazen made a bold move, trading Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals for Carson Kelly, Luke Weaver, Andrew Young, and a competitive balance pick, which became Dominic Fletcher. While none of these acquisitions became long-term cornerstones, it's hard to label the trade as a failure, considering it was for just one year of Goldschmidt's services.
But here's where it gets controversial: why didn't the Diamondbacks offer Goldschmidt a contract extension? The Cardinals did, signing him to a five-year, $130 million deal before the next season. After a slow start in St. Louis, Goldschmidt proved his worth, posting an impressive 20.9 bWAR over the 2020-2024 period, including finally winning the NL MVP in 2022, an honor that eluded him in Arizona.
Yet, the Cardinals couldn't advance past the wild-card round for three consecutive years, and Goldschmidt struggled in the postseason, batting just .174. When his contract expired, he signed a one-year deal with the New York Yankees, but age seemed to catch up with him, as he battled against right-handed pitching in 2024 and 2025. Despite his struggles against righties, he remained solid against lefties, albeit in a smaller sample size.
The Diamondbacks' current plan involves a platoon of left-hander Pavin Smith and right-hander Tyler Locklear. However, Locklear's injury at the end of the season, following a collision with Boston's Connor Wong, has complicated matters. He required surgery on his elbow and shoulder, and while a return late in spring is possible, he may miss the season's first month.
Locklear, acquired from the Mariners in the Suarez trade, didn't impress before his injury, hitting just .175 in 31 games as a Diamondback. At 25 years old, with limited major-league experience, he could be a long-term solution if the team is willing to be patient. But if the Diamondbacks aim to compete in 2026, as Hazen suggests, Locklear might not be the immediate answer.
Signing Goldschmidt as a one-year platoon partner to face left-handed pitching could be a viable option. Smith could handle the bulk of at-bats against righties, where he has excelled. Additionally, bringing back Goldschmidt would be a popular move among fans, allowing him to finish his career where it began, and potentially enter Cooperstown as a Diamondback.
The main hurdle in Goldschmidt's return might be his own expectations. Reports suggest he still believes he deserves an everyday spot in the lineup, not a platoon role. The Diamondbacks, however, are unwilling to pay the salary of an everyday player, and Goldschmidt's demands may exceed their budget. The San Diego Padres could be a potential suitor, offering him the everyday role he desires.
The silence surrounding Goldschmidt's future, with spring training approaching, indicates a possible mismatch between his expectations and what teams are offering. There's also the question of whether Goldschmidt wants to return to the team that traded him. Sources at the time of the St. Louis trade indicated that preliminary conversations with Goldschmidt's camp left the Diamondbacks doubtful about reaching an agreement.
Does Goldschmidt hold a grudge? It's hard to imagine the easygoing player we knew being resentful. But he seems firm on his demands, and the Diamondbacks, led by Hazen, are known for making rational, business-minded decisions, even if they're unpopular. If Goldschmidt returns to Arizona, it will likely be on the team's terms. Otherwise, they may look for alternatives, such as Ty France.
So, what's your take? Should the Diamondbacks bring back Goldschmidt, or is it time to move on? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
