With a 41-26 record, good for the best in the National League, the Arizona Diamondbacks are legit contenders who have a shot at a deep postseason run.
But in a division boasting two of the highest payrolls in all of baseball, the Diamondbacks have their work cut out for them in the National League West.
Good night to the fans of the best team in the National League pic.twitter.com/z5IZsqHkov
— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) June 13, 2023
With Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly headlining the Diamondbacks rotation, there is a need to find another pitcher or two to help provide quality innings, but there could be a bigger splash they could make before the trade deadline.
That splash would be someone very familiar to the franchise in 2022 National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt.
The Cardinals have acquired 6-time NL All-Star 1B Paul Goldschmidt from the Diamondbacks. pic.twitter.com/V0oCbGPyiS
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 5, 2018
After spending his first eight seasons in the majors with the Diamondbacks, Goldschmidt was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals for a package of young players that never really panned out for the Diamondbacks.
All Goldschmidt has done since being dealt is hit the baseball. Besides adding the NL MVP award to his trophy cabinet last year, he has also added three 30-plus home run seasons in his four seasons in St. Louis and is currently on pace for another this season.
Golden Hour
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 13, 2023
Paul Goldschmidt launches a two-run bomb to left and the #STLCards lead! pic.twitter.com/7t0mLbUWMA
The Cardinals have one of the worst records in baseball and find themselves eight and a half games behind the first-place Pittsburgh Pirates. Meanwhile, Goldschmidt is not getting any younger and the franchise looks like it may be on the verge of a potential rebuild. The time might be right to let the veteran go if the price is right.
While production at first base hasn't been an issue for the Diamondbacks, being able to add a bat like Goldschmidt's has to be intriguing with the designated hitter spot available.
The Diamondbacks will need to make a few additions if they have true World Series aspirations.
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