Former MLB GM Turns Heads With Surprising Paul Goldschmidt Prediction
Former MLB GM Turns Heads With Surprising Paul Goldschmidt Prediction originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When sharing a lineup with AL MVP frontrunner Aaron Judge, it's easy for veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt's contributions to fall under the radar.
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That may be why longtime MLB executive Jim Bowden omitted Goldschmidt, himself a former NL MVP, from his projected All-Star Game rosters.
In a Wednesday column, Bowden instead predicted Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will start at first base for the American League. He also guessed the Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda and Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson make the squad as backups.
Apparently, posting a .327 average, .859 OPS, and 1.5 bWAR for a division leader doesn't do it anymore.
In Bowden's defense, Goldschmidt's power numbers are down, and he's only hit six homers through 59 games. The eight-time All-Star is on track for his fewest home runs over a full season, though his .859 OPS marks his highest since his 2022 NL MVP campaign.
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However, Guerrero has a lower average (.279), OPS (.821), and roughly the same bWAR (1.6) as his Yankees counterpart. Although Torkelson has 14 home runs for the AL Central-leading Tigers, he's also hitting .236 with a 1.4 bWAR.
'He leads AL first basemen in home runs (14) and RBIs (42),' Bowden explained of selecting Torkelson. 'I didn't want to carry three first basemen but felt like he had to make this team.'
New York Yankees first baseman Paul GoldschmidtRick Osentoski-Imagn Images
If anything, Aranda should be starting because he leads all first basemen in bWAR (2.3) and OPS (.916). Goldschmidt deserves a backup spot, with either Guerrero or Torkelson fighting it out for the third and final bench position.
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Luckily for Yankees fans, they can ensure Goldschmidt earns a July trip to Atlanta. All-Star Voting begins at noon ET on Wednesday, June 4, and the fans determine who starts the Midsummer Classic.
We can see it now: Paul Goldschmidt, you are the AL starting first baseman, and you can thank the Yankees' loyal fanbase.
Related: Yankees Predicted to Trade for All-Star Second Baseman After Jazz Chisholm News
Related: Yankees Facing Backlash After Luke Weaver Injury Announcement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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