Paul Goldschmidt – New York Yankees Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Paul Goldschmidt, a veteran first baseman now with the New York Yankees, has put together an impressive MLB career that’s lasted nearly 15 years. People know him for his powerful bat and solid glove, and after a long stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, he made the jump to the Yankees for the 2025 season. As of April 2025, Paul Goldschmidt’s net worth is around $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Goldschmidt’s bank account got a massive boost from his previous five-year contract extension with the Cardinals—$130 million for the 2020-2024 seasons. He signed that deal back in March 2019, and it really locked in his place among baseball’s top-tier first basemen. The seven-time All-Star now joins the Yankees on a one-year deal, continuing his major league journey and adding to his already hefty career earnings.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Paul Goldschmidt’s rise to baseball stardom started early. He fell in love with the game as a kid, made waves in high school, and then really broke out during his college years before the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him.

Childhood and Family Background

Paul Edward Goldschmidt was born September 10, 1987, in Wilmington, Delaware. His family moved to The Woodlands, Texas, when he was young, and that’s where his passion for baseball took off.

Goldschmidt grew up in a middle-class, supportive family. His parents encouraged his sports interests, and that steady support shaped his disciplined, focused approach to the game.

Texas gave him year-round chances to play, so Goldschmidt kept sharpening his skills. He played in local leagues, and coaches quickly noticed he had a knack for hitting and a work ethic that set him apart.

High School Baseball Achievements

At The Woodlands High School, Goldschmidt stood out on the baseball team. He wasn’t the flashiest recruit, but he hit for power and always seemed to deliver when it mattered.

In his senior year, he helped The Woodlands Highlanders reach the state playoffs and made a name for himself as a dependable first baseman with real potential at the plate. His stats impressed, but big-league scouts didn’t exactly swarm.

He picked up All-District honors and earned a reputation for having an exceptional baseball IQ. Coaches often mentioned his ability to adapt at the plate and his steady defense at first.

College Career and Draft Preparation

Goldschmidt played for Texas State University between 2006 and 2009, and his college career took off. He set several school records and became one of the best players in Bobcat history.

Some of his college highlights:

• Three-time All-Southland Conference selection
• Southland Conference Player of the Year
• Career .347 batting average
• 36 home runs and 170 RBIs in three seasons

Even with those numbers, MLB scouts weren’t totally sold. The Arizona Diamondbacks picked him up in the 8th round (246th overall) of the 2009 MLB Draft.

His time at Texas State was huge for his development. Coaches worked with him to tweak his swing and sharpen his plate discipline—skills that would help him become an MLB star.

Paul Goldschmidt’s Professional Journey

Paul Goldschmidt’s baseball story runs from his MLB debut all the way to being considered one of the game’s elite first basemen. He’s racked up All-Star nods, Gold Gloves, and even an NL MVP, making serious impacts with both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Goldschmidt made his Major League debut on August 1, 2011, with the Arizona Diamondbacks. At 6’3″, he quickly became a force at the plate and a steady glove in the field.

In his first full season (2012), he hit .286, launched 20 home runs, and drove in 82 runs. You could already see his power potential.

By 2013, he broke out in a big way—his first All-Star selection and a second-place finish in NL MVP voting. His defense at first base also started getting attention, rounding out his skill set.

Even though the Diamondbacks struggled as a team, Goldschmidt kept performing at a high level. His work ethic and consistency stood out, and he started building a reputation as a leader.

Breakout Seasons and Awards

Between 2015 and 2018, Goldschmidt really hit his stride. He picked up:

• 4 straight All-Star appearances (2015-2018)
• 3 Gold Glove Awards
• 3 Silver Slugger Awards
• Top-3 NL MVP finishes in 2015 and 2017

His 2017 season stands out—a .297 average, 36 homers, and 120 RBIs. Goldschmidt’s mix of power, average, and defense made him one of the most complete players in the league.

He played 150+ games almost every year, rarely missing time and always producing. Even when the Diamondbacks had up-and-down seasons, Goldschmidt’s individual performance never really dipped.

St. Louis Cardinals Impact

The Diamondbacks traded Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals in December 2018. Right after joining, he signed a five-year, $130 million extension, and the Cardinals made it clear they saw him as a franchise cornerstone.

That investment paid off big in 2022, when Goldschmidt won the NL MVP at age 34—he hit .317 with 35 homers and 115 RBIs. It was a season for the ages and a huge moment in Cardinals history.

Throughout his time in St. Louis, Goldschmidt kept up his defensive excellence at first base and delivered at the plate. His veteran presence helped guide the Cardinals to the postseason several times.

By 2025, Goldschmidt’s net worth hit about $20 million, a testament to his on-field success and status as one of baseball’s most respected players.

Career Highlights and Accomplishments

Paul Goldschmidt has earned his reputation as one of the game’s top first basemen through steady excellence and some truly memorable performances. His power, defensive skills, and leadership have brought him plenty of accolades and respect across MLB.

Record-Setting Performances

Goldschmidt has put up some big numbers. He’s topped 30 home runs six times, including a career-best 36 in 2013 with the Diamondbacks. Over the years, he’s piled up more than 1,700 hits and crossed the 300-home run mark.

His 2022 season was arguably his best—he won the National League MVP Award by batting .317, belting 35 homers, and driving in 115 runs. His OPS that year? An eye-popping 1.002.

On defense, Goldschmidt has shined at first base, earning four Gold Gloves. He’s saved plenty of runs with his glove, making his overall value even higher.

Postseason Appearances and World Series Pursuits

Goldschmidt’s still chasing that elusive World Series ring. He first got a taste of the postseason with the Diamondbacks in 2011, but his biggest playoff moments have come with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals made it to the National League Championship Series in 2019. Goldschmidt came through with key hits against the Braves in the Division Series, though the team got swept by the Nationals.

In the 2022 Wild Card Series, the Cardinals faced the Phillies, but Goldschmidt had a tough time at the plate, and St. Louis bowed out early. That search for a championship ring still drives him.

Notable Games Against Rival Teams

Goldschmidt has developed a reputation as a Dodgers killer—he’s kept an OPS north of .900 against Los Angeles over his career, and they definitely notice when he’s in the lineup.

He’s also hit well against the San Francisco Giants, with over 20 home runs and a .300-plus average in those matchups.

Against the Milwaukee Brewers, he’s had some big moments too, especially in 2018 when he hit .353 against them before his trade to St. Louis. Goldschmidt’s also had some strong games against AL teams, including the Houston Astros and New York Yankees in interleague play.

Paul Goldschmidt’s Contract History

Paul Goldschmidt’s career earnings tell the story of a player who worked his way up from promising prospect to perennial All-Star. His contracts have reflected his steady rise and growing value across MLB.

Rookie Contracts and Early Earnings

Goldschmidt started out with modest pay after the Diamondbacks drafted him in the 8th round in 2009. He signed for a $95,000 bonus—not exactly life-changing, but typical for his draft spot.

Once he proved himself in the minors, Goldschmidt got his first big-league deal at the league minimum in 2011. After his breakout, Arizona saw his value and signed him in March 2013 to a five-year extension for $32 million, with a team option for 2019. That deal ended up being a steal for the Diamondbacks as Goldschmidt blossomed into an MVP contender.

Major Extensions and $765 Million Contract Rumors

After the trade to St. Louis, Goldschmidt didn’t wait long to lock in his next big payday. In March 2019, before he even played a regular-season game for the Cardinals, he landed a five-year, $130 million extension for 2020-2024.

That contract paid him $26 million a year, putting him among the highest-paid first basemen in the league.

As his Cardinals contract wound down, wild rumors swirled about a $765 million mega-deal at the winter meetings. Of course, nothing like that materialized. Instead, after hitting free agency post-2024, Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the Yankees in December 2024.

Paul Goldschmidt’s Net Worth and Financial Overview

Paul Goldschmidt has built up serious wealth through his MLB contracts, smart investments, and some endorsement deals. His financial success reflects both his value on the field and his knack for making good moves off it.

Salary Breakdown and Endorsements

Paul Goldschmidt’s net worth sits at around $20 million as of 2025, but depending on who you ask, it might even reach as high as $30 million. Most of that wealth comes straight from his MLB contracts, especially his huge deal with the Cardinals.

Back in 2019, Goldschmidt signed a five-year extension with the St. Louis Cardinals for $130 million, which paid him $26 million a year through 2024. After that, he headed to the Yankees on a one-year deal, keeping his MLB paychecks coming.

He’s not exactly the face of every major brand, but Goldschmidt’s endorsement deals with equipment companies and a few regional brands still bring in a solid chunk—probably a few hundred thousand dollars a year.

Comparisons With MLB Peers

Goldschmidt’s earnings put him right up there with the top MLB first basemen, though he doesn’t quite crack the league’s absolute highest-paid. That $130 million Cardinals contract? Pretty great value, considering how steady he’s been.

Stack him up against Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers or Pete Alonso of the Mets, and you’ll see Goldschmidt’s career earnings reflect his steady, reliable excellence—not some headline-grabbing, record-breaking contract. The Yankees’ decision to sign him for another run says plenty about his ongoing value late in his career.

MLB First Basemen Contract Comparisons:

• Paul Goldschmidt: $130M/5 years (Cardinals)
• Freddie Freeman: $162M/6 years (Dodgers)
• Pete Alonso: Under team control (Mets)

The Mets and Steve Cohen have tossed out some wild contracts, but Goldschmidt has built his wealth the old-fashioned way—by showing up and producing, season after season.

Philanthropy and Investments

Goldschmidt doesn’t just rely on baseball money—he’s put cash into real estate and tech ventures, though he keeps the details pretty private.

He and his family set up a scholarship fund at Texas State University, his alma mater, to help student-athletes get their shot. When he played for the Cardinals, Goldschmidt jumped into local St. Louis charities, focusing on youth development. He’s kept that up, giving both time and money wherever he’s played.

He tends to play it safe with investments, aiming for long-term stability. That fits his personality—disciplined, thoughtful, not flashy. It’s worked, too, because he’s built real financial security for life after baseball.

Rivalries and Key MLB Matchups

Paul Goldschmidt has found himself in some of baseball’s most heated matchups, earning a reputation as a tough opponent when it counts—especially against top teams and big-name players.

Iconic Showdowns With Dodgers and Yankees

His battles with the Los Angeles Dodgers go all the way back to his Arizona Diamondbacks days. That NL West rivalry really brought out his competitive side. He’s always hit Dodgers pitching well, usually batting over .300 against them, and he’s put up big power numbers at Dodger Stadium.

Now that he’s with the New York Yankees in 2025, Goldschmidt finds himself in the middle of another classic rivalry. Even before he wore pinstripes, he regularly frustrated the Yankees in interleague play, showing he could handle the Bronx spotlight.

The Giants have also been frequent rivals—he’s had plenty of memorable games against San Francisco during his years out west.

Head-to-Head With Notable First Basemen

Throughout his career, Goldschmidt has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best at first base. His matchups with Joey Votto always stood out—both guys set the standard in the National League for quite a while.

Lately, his battles with Pete Alonso of the New York Mets have featured two of the game’s top power hitters. Their numbers match up pretty evenly, both defensively and offensively.

Now that Anthony Rizzo is his Yankees teammate, it’s easy to forget they used to compete when Rizzo was with the Cubs. Goldschmidt also had a good-natured rivalry with Jose Abreu during interleague games.

He’s faced off against Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros in some high-stakes games, including a few playoff battles with a lot on the line.

Performances Against Notable Pitchers

Goldschmidt has put up strong numbers against some of baseball’s toughest arms. He’s shown he can adjust to elite starters, and his stats against multiple Cy Young winners really stand out.

When the Yankees need clutch hitting, he’s right in the middle of the order with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, making life miserable for opposing pitchers. Yankees GM Brian Cashman even mentioned Goldschmidt’s track record against top pitching as a big reason for his current $12.5 million contract.

Younger Yankees like Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera have picked up tips from Goldschmidt, especially about preparing for and recognizing elite pitching.

Playing Style and On-Field Performance

Paul Goldschmidt has built a reputation as one of the most complete players in the game. He brings big-time power at the plate and plays first base with defensive skills that are tough to match. His steady approach and solid glove have earned him plenty of respect and a bunch of awards.

Power Hitting and Home Run Ability

Goldschmidt’s power comes from his disciplined approach and a swing that’s both compact and explosive. He’s always kept a strong batting average, and the power numbers have followed.

He gets great exit velocity and can drive the ball to any part of the park. Goldschmidt works counts, waits for his pitch, and usually delivers—his OPS has stayed well above league average for most of his career.

During his best seasons with Arizona and St. Louis, he hit 30 or more home runs regularly. He’s valuable in the heart of any lineup because he can hit for both average and power.

One thing that sets him apart: consistency. Goldschmidt rarely slumps for long and usually plays over 150 games in a full season—pretty impressive in today’s game.

Defensive Excellence at First Base

Goldschmidt’s defense at first base ranks among the best ever. He’s got quick feet, great stretches, and always keeps contact with the bag.

He’s picked up several Gold Gloves for his fielding ability. His reflexes and soft hands let him scoop up low throws, saving his teammates from errors.

He covers plenty of ground for a first baseman and charges bunts aggressively, turning would-be hits into outs.

Goldschmidt’s baseball smarts show on defense too—he positions himself well and anticipates plays before they happen. His teammates often mention how he anchors the infield and gives them confidence.

Awards, Recognition, and All-Star Selections

Paul Goldschmidt has racked up an impressive list of awards and All-Star appearances, putting him among baseball’s elite. He’s got MVP honors, multiple Gold Gloves, and a bunch of All-Star nods to show for his consistency and high-level play.

NL MVP and Major Honors

Goldschmidt finally took home the National League MVP Award in 2022, a long-awaited recognition after finishing close in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Besides the MVP, he’s collected four Gold Gloves for his defense and five Silver Slugger Awards for his offensive output. He’s also won two Hank Aaron Awards, which go to the league’s top offensive performer. These honors highlight how he’s stayed at or near the top, both in the field and at the plate.

All-Star Appearances

Goldschmidt has made seven All-Star teams so far. His first selection came in 2013 with the Diamondbacks, and he kept the streak going through 2018. After moving to the Cardinals, he earned more All-Star nods in 2021 and 2022.

He’s managed to stay at an elite level no matter the team or division, and seven All-Star appearances put him among the most decorated active players.

Personal Life and Off-Field Endeavors

Off the field, Paul Goldschmidt keeps things pretty grounded. He’s all about family and community, and he’s made a real impact away from baseball.

Family and Interests

Goldschmidt married his college sweetheart, Amy, after they met at Texas State University. They tied the knot in 2010 and now have two kids—Jake and Emma.

He tends to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, preferring quiet family time during the off-season.

Goldschmidt is open about his Christian faith, saying it guides both his baseball and his life. That perspective has helped him weather the ups and downs of a long career.

He’s big on the outdoors, too—fishing, hunting, and just enjoying nature when he can. Goldschmidt has shown interest in business and keeps learning new things in the off-season.

Community Involvement

Goldschmidt’s charity work is as impressive as his stats. He and Amy started Goldy’s Fund 4 Kids, helping children’s charities in every city he’s played.

In Arizona, he worked closely with Phoenix Children’s Hospital, visiting patients and raising money. That dedication to kids’ causes has followed him to St. Louis and New York.

He picked up a Roberto Clemente Award nomination in 2019, which says a lot about his commitment to giving back. Goldschmidt doesn’t just write checks—he shows up in person and spends real time making a difference.

He’s also big on education, supporting literacy programs and encouraging young people to keep learning, just like he does.

Recent Seasons, Injuries, and Future Outlook

Paul Goldschmidt’s recent years have brought some big changes. He’s had standout moments and some stretches that raised questions, moving from Cardinals star to Yankees veteran as he heads toward the later chapters of his career.

Recent MLB Performance and Stats

Goldschmidt’s 2022 season was, honestly, one of his best. He finally grabbed his first National League MVP after hitting .317 with 35 home runs and 115 RBIs. He showed off his sharp eye at the plate and steady glove at first, making himself the clear anchor in the Cardinals’ lineup.

Things changed in 2023, though. His batting average slid to .268 and he hit 25 home runs—a noticeable dip. You could see people start to wonder: was age catching up to him as he moved deeper into his 30s?

By 2024, his last year with the Cardinals, Goldschmidt just couldn’t keep up the elite numbers that defined his peak. The Cardinals looked at the trend and decided not to offer him an extension.

For 2025, Goldschmidt signed with the Yankees for $12.5 million, jumping into a stacked lineup that already includes Juan Soto. The Yankees are betting his experience and still-decent bat can push them closer to their championship dreams.

Injury History and Recovery

Goldschmidt has managed to stay impressively healthy over the years, dodging the major injuries that seem to haunt so many aging first basemen. His dedication to conditioning definitely deserves some credit for that.

Back in 2019, he had a bout of back stiffness that cost him a bit of playing time, but it never turned into anything long-term. The Cardinals handled his schedule with care during his five years in St. Louis, which helped keep him on the field.

In 2023, he started feeling some lower back tightness now and then—mostly after night games, so he’d get a rest day here and there. That sort of maintenance became routine as he got older.

The Yankees’ medical staff will probably stick with this approach in 2025, since Goldschmidt enters his 15th MLB season with plenty of miles on him, but he’s still more reliable than most.

Contract Status and Free Agency Prospects

Goldschmidt wrapped up his five-year, $130 million extension with the Cardinals that covered 2020 through 2024. That contract looked like a steal during his MVP run, but as his numbers slipped, it lost some luster.

Now, his deal with the Yankees comes as a noticeable pay cut. He agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million contract—clearly, the market’s a little wary about his age and recent dip in performance. Still, the short-term setup works for both sides. Goldschmidt gets a shot to prove himself again, and the Yankees avoid tying themselves down for too long.

He’ll turn 38 in 2025, so what happens after this season is anyone’s guess. If he puts up decent numbers in pinstripes, maybe he lands another one-year contract for 2026—could be with the Yankees, could be somewhere else.

These days, teams don’t really want to lock in older first basemen for the long haul. They want flexibility, and honestly, who can blame them? Goldschmidt’s chances of playing past 2025 will pretty much depend on whether he can stay healthy and keep producing this year.