There have been many later round draft picks that have performed well beyond their expectations in the majors. Dallas Keuchel was a seventh round draft pick, and an eventual Cy Young winner. Albert Pujols was a 13th round selection, and recently joined the 600 home run club. Daniel Murphy was also a 13th round selection, and turned into a Silver Slugger. The list could go on and on. But one thing sticks out about these late round success stories; they have gained ample amounts of national notoriety.

How does one of the most successful hitters in the game not get as much fanfare as the three previously listed players? Is it because he was an eighth round selection out of San Marcos State University? Or is it because he has spent his seven year career in the desert? Either way, Paul Goldschmidt is arguably the best hitter in the game, and has been for years. It’s okay if you didn’t know that. I’ll fill you in.

Best Hitter in Franchise History

When comparing Goldschmidt with the best players in Diamondbacks history, one can begin to comprehend his greatness. Using WAR, Goldschmidt edges out one of the most revered players in franchise history, Luis Gonzalez. Gonzalez spent eight seasons in Arizona and amassed 30.0 wins above replacement in that time. He also garnered five All-Star appearances, and helped put the franchise on the map.

In Goldschmidt’s seven seasons in the desert, he has already surpassed the great Gonzalez. Compiling 31.8 wins above replacement and posting a career 147 OPS+ compared to Gonzalez’s 130 OPS+ in Arizona, Goldschmidt has quickly become the best hitter in franchise history. But given Arizona’s short history (founded in 1998), some may discredit Goldschmidt’s accomplishments, citing the franchise’s limited history and success. To counter that argument, let us examine where Goldschmidt ranks among the best hitters in the game today.

Best Hitter in the Game?

Okay, that may be a little bit of a stretch. Even so, in an era with Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera and Joey Votto, Goldschmidt does more than hold his own. Goldschmidt came into the league in 2011, but didn’t cement his status as a full-time starter until the 2012 season. If we use 2012 as a starting point, his career aligns favorably with one of the most hyped prospects ever to play the game; Bryce Harper.

Harper busted onto the MLB scene in 2012 and has been a dominant force ever since. With a 40 home run season, one MVP award and a ROY award already on his mantle, there’s no way a player like Goldschmidt could compare to that right? Think again. Over the same time period, 2012-2017, Goldschmidt has a slash line of .302/.404/.531. Compared to Harpers’ .282/.386/.511, Goldschmidt is clearly the better hitter. But if a few percentage points are not enough to sway you, let us delve a little deeper.

Harper has hit 136 home runs, driven in 378 RBIs and posted a 141 OPS+ since 2012. Goldschmidt has hit 145 home runs, driven in 526 RBIs and has a 149 OPS+ in the same time period. In all measurable statistics, Goldschmidt is better than Harper. Even in stolen bases, with Goldschmidt swiping 107 bases compared to Harper’s 59. So if Goldschmidt is an overall better player, including defensively (three Gold Gloves for Goldschmidt, zero for Harper), why isn’t he getting as much coverage?

Hidden in the Desert Sun

Goldschmidt has finished second twice in the NL MVP voting in his career. Even so, the Diamondbacks slugger has deserved much more consideration in his career. Ironically enough, Goldschmidt finished second in 2015 to none other than Bryce Harper, and to Andrew McCutchen in 2013. It can be argued that playing in Arizona has hampered Goldschmidt’s exposure, and caused him to be highly overlooked.

The Diamondbacks haven’t exactly been as successful as Goldlschmidt has, without a winning season since his rookie year in 2011. With an inept franchise in a small market like Arizona, it is easy to see why Goldschmidt has been overlooked by fans and media alike. But with the team sitting at 34-25 and Goldschmidt performing like he always has, maybe he’ll finally get the recognition he deserves.

He certainly has from me, and now hopefully from you now as well.

Feature image by Rick Scuteri/USA TODAY Sports.

You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles written by other great TGH writers along with Jonathan!

“From Our Haus to Yours”