For most major league players, hitting 24 home runs, driving in 95 and batting .297 would be considered a very productive season. For the Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman, it was a down year. While those numbers might not have matched what he’d done in the two previous seasons, some collectors have been snapping up Paul Goldschmidt baseball cards with a belief that he’s primed for a resurgence.
The G
oldy File
The 8th round pick in 2009 is still considered an elite player despite slipping a bit in power for 2016.
Goldschmidt, who originally hails from Wilmington, Delaware, grew up in a suburb of Houston. His impact in the majors, albeit brief, has been nothing short of stellar. His rare combination of power and speed for a first baseman is off the charts. He’s already shown top shelf seasons for OPS, OPS+ and total bases along with the traditional offensive categories. He’s captured two Gold Gloves to boot.
Early Paul Goldschmidt Cards
Goldschmidt became a D-Backs regular in 2012 but first appeared in a nationally distributed product two years earlier when he had an autographed prospect card inside 2010 Bowman Platinum. Somewhat remarkably, those cards can still be had today for under $30. Even the Green parallel version, numbered to 199, often sells for under $50. He also has a 2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition auto, numbered to 820 that can be had for a minimal investment.
Like many of today’s players, Goldschmidt’s most popular autographs are 
inside 2011 Bowman Chrome. The unnumbered autos currently sell for under $200, even in high-grade holders. The parallel versions are what seem to attract collectors with the deepest pockets. A Gold parallel version numbered to 50 and graded 9 by BGS, recently sold for $950.
Goldschmidt made his debut in 2011 and it was then that the official “RC” rookie card designation appeared on the front of his base cards. He’s part of the star-packed 2011 Topps Update set that also features Mike Trout. Prices for Goldy’s cards lag well behind the Angels’ two-time MVP, however. Even PSA 10s and the Gold parallel version numbered to 2011 often sell for under $25 each. He also has non-autog
raphed cards in the Bowman Draft and Sterling lines from 2011 that are very inexpensive.
Goldschmidt is 29 and unless he’s able to play into his 40s without losing significant time to injury, he’s not likely to reach the magic milestones of 500 homers or 3,000 hits that would all but ensure Hall of Fame election. However, he’s a legitimate Triple Crown threat who could reach 400 homers with a career average of around .300. Steady, productive play over the next 10 years should make him a prime candidate for Cooperstown.
Which Goldschmidt cards are generating the most interest from eBay bidders right now? Check out the list below.
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