Cardinals’ Paul Goldschmidt Reflects on Meeting with Aaron Judge During Offseason
ST. LOUIS — Cardinals superstar first baseman Paul Goldschmidt had an exceptional 2022 season, hitting .317 with 35 home runs and 115 RBIs, resulting in him winning his first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. One of the highlights for Goldschmidt was winning the National League (NL) MVP award in the same season as Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who set the American League record for home runs with 62.
Goldschmidt, known for his calm demeanor, rarely gets excited, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to hit and have lunch with Judge when they were both living in Florida during the offseason. Goldschmidt happily made the three-hour drive from Jupiter to Tampa to spend the day with Judge. Despite both of them winning MVP awards in their respective leagues, Goldschmidt expressed his admiration for Judge and his eagerness to learn from him.
“I’m just a big fan of [Judge’s], and he’s one of the best hitters on the planet, so I was wanting to learn from him,” Goldschmidt said. “Judge is one of the best people around, too, because everyone that’s ever played with him talks so highly about him. I have a lot of respect for him, and he’s one of my favorite players.”
The anticipated showdown between the two reigning MVP winners this weekend was spoiled as Judge was sidelined with a right great toe sprain. Without Judge, the Yankees’ offensive production has suffered, averaging just 3.8 runs per game in June, ranking 29th in MLB.
Goldschmidt and Judge had previously met at the All-Star Game, but it was at the awards banquet in New York where they connected and discussed the possibility of meeting over the winter to talk hitting and workout together. Goldschmidt’s persistence in reaching out to Judge led to their meeting in Tampa, where they spent hours in the batting cage, discussing their approaches against different pitchers and their strategies with two strikes.
Judge sought Goldschmidt’s advice on his no-stride approach at the plate. Goldschmidt, who prefers limiting movements in the box and driving the ball the other way when facing pitcher’s counts, worked with Judge on the technique. However, Judge ultimately decided to stick with his current approach, but Goldschmidt understood his decision and continues to communicate with him throughout the season.
Both players have immense respect for each other’s skills. Goldschmidt praised Judge’s abilities as a five-tool player, highlighting his defensive prowess and almost winning the Triple Crown and batting title last season.
“He has all the things you want a player to be, and you want kids to try and emulate,” Goldschmidt praised.
While the anticipated matchup between Goldschmidt and Judge did not materialize this weekend, their bond and shared experience as MVP winners will continue to link them together in baseball history.