(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The St. Louis Cardinals have not been off to a very good start this season.
However, that hasn’t impacted the reigning National League MVP in Paul Goldschmidt.
Usually a slow starter, Goldschmidt is hitting at a .302 clip with four home runs, 14 RBI, 29 hits, and a .917 OPS.
In addition to that, he finds himself at the top of an elite list, tied with New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
Goldschmidt and Stanton both have the highest average exit velocity this season, per Statcast.
The two sluggers have an average exit velocity of 95.9 mph.
On Twitter, John Denton of MLB.com posted the list of players with the highest average exit velocities.
Highest avg. exit velocity, 2023, per Statcast:
1-T. Paul Goldschmidt, #STLCards 95.9 mph
1-T. Giancarlo Stanton, NYY 95.9 mph
3. Matt Chapman, TOR 95.7 mph
4-T. MJ Melendez, KC 95.4 mph
4-T. Matt Olson, ATL 95.4 mph
Goldschmidt: Highest avg. exit velo: 92.6 mph in ‘21
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) April 28, 2023
Also on the list are stars such as Matt Chapman, MJ Melendez, and Matt Olson.
Chapman ranks third on the list with a 95.7 mph average exit velocity.
Melendez and Olson are tied for fourth with a 95.4 mph mark.
Denton also notes that Goldschmidt’s previous highest mark in the average exit velocity category was 92.6 mph back in 2021.
Despite the struggles of the Cardinals offense, it is clear that Goldschmidt is hitting the ball hard and picking up some key hits.
The Cardinals were largely carried last season by Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado’s MVP-caliber seasons, as well as Albert Pujols’ strong second half.
While Arenado has been slow to start, Goldschmidt has been performing quite well for St. Louis alongside young star Nolan Gorman.
The Cardinals are 10-16 to start the season, which is their worst start since 1973.
Goldschmidt has been a bright spot, however.
The post Paul Goldschmidt Is At The Top Of An Elite List appeared first on The Cold Wire.