Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt had an interesting 2020 season, during which he brought his batting average back up to .304 and his walk rate to 16%, while simultaneously dropping his strikeout rate to a career best 18.6%. After swinging more than he ever had in his first season with the Cardinals, Goldschmidt returned to the patient approach he had developed throughout his career, swinging at just 40.5% of pitches (after a 46.4% swinging strike rate the year before). But while his average went up, his power waned, as he hit just six home runs and had a career-worst .466 slugging percentage. Nolan Arenado batting behind him this year should help, and he had bone chips removed from his elbow this offseason. There could be another big-time power season left in Goldschmidt's bat, but the more likely scenario is that he will put up solid but unspectacular production at the first base position.

Paul Goldschmidt underwent surgery to remove bone spur from elbow

Cardinals 1B Paul Goldschmidt underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow.

Fantasy Impact

Goldschmidt didn't miss any time with his elbow issue as he played in 58-of-60 games this year. He hit .304 with an .883 OPS, which was a nice rebound from a disappointing first season with the Cardinals in 2019. Goldy should be fully healthy entering spring training next year.