Arizona Diamondbacks’ owner Kendrick: No changes in store for Paul Goldschmidt’s contract
Feb 14, 2014, 9:44 PM | Updated: 9:45 pm
When Paul Goldschmidt signed a five-year, $32 million contract extension in March 2013, the idea was that he would be financially secure and the Arizona Diamondbacks would have what they hoped would be a key player under contract for the foreseeable future.
What no one could have predicted, though, was that Goldschmidt would not only be a key player, but turn into the team’s best player.
As a 25 year old in 2013, Goldschmidt hit .302 with 26 home runs, 125 RBI and an on-base percentage of .401. He finished second in the NL MVP voting.
It’s fair to say the D-backs got a steal, with some wondering just how much money Goldschmidt may have left on the table by signing the contract when he did. And while there has been no inkling of regret or even frustration from Goldschmidt, it’s fair to wonder if it could become an issue at some point down the road.
After all, production like his in 2013 is worth significantly more than what he got paid for, and the team would not want the face of its franchise upset over something like that.
“I’m confident that we won’t get sideways with him and he’s a terrific young man, he has a great head on his shoulders,” D-backs managing general partner Ken Kendrick told the Dan Bickley Show with Vince Marotta Friday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “We value him, obviously, as a key part of our future. We’re going to do everything we can to have him have a career throughout his years in baseball as a Diamondback.”
Kendrick said now is not the time to make any changes to the contract, which has Goldschmidt under the team’s control for the next five seasons.
“But we’re going to look at his performance, continue to monitor it, and if it seems appropriate to both sides that we enter into an extension of his current agreement at an appropriate time, we’ll of course give that every consideration,” he said. “And I would say chances are good that, if his performance continues, that can and will happen. And should happen.”
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