Cardinals: Arenado says Paul Goldschmidt is best player in baseball

St. Louis Cardinals superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado says that Paul Goldschmidt is the best player in baseball.

If the season ended today (it doesn’t), the favorite to win National League MVP would be St. Louis Cardinals star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

What Goldschmidt has done this season is simply remarkable. Entering the season, there were questions whether he would be able to sustain his numbers from last season – .294/.365/.514 with 31 home runs and 99 RBI – as he entered his age-35 season. Not only has he done that, he’s been even better. To the point where he’s having the best season of his career.

In 67 games, Goldschmidt is hitting .339/.418/.623 with a 1.041 OPS, 17 home runs and 60 RBI. His 197 OPS+ would easily be a career-high; his previous highest was 160 back in 2013. And his teammate Nolan Arenado told Bally Sports Midwest: “He’s the best player in the game right now. That’s just what it is. He’s an unbelievable player.”

Even with a dominant season from the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, it’s hard to argue with Arenado. Right now, Goldschmidt is putting the entire Cardinals team on his back and keeping them atop the National League Central even while Arenado struggles, Tyler O’Neill and Steven Matz are on the Injured List, and the bullpen continues to draw the ire from the entire fanbase.

Not only is Goldschmidt in the conversation for NL MVP, but his Hall of Fame case continues to grow stronger. In 12 seasons, he’s hitting .295/.391/.526 with a .916 OPS, 297 home runs and 987 RBI. He has made six All-Star teams, won four Gold Gloves and finished second or third in the MVP voting three times in his career.

The Hall of Fame debate can be had at a different time. For now, Goldschmidt is undisputedly the best player in the National League, and his teammates now believe he’s the best player in baseball. Who am I to argue with it? What he’s done this season has been simply remarkable.