Fansided

5 best MLB performances from first half of the season

By Josh Criswell

Jun 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Drew Storen (22) douse chocolate syrup on pitcher Max Scherzer (31) after Scherzer pitched a complete game shutout at Miller Park. The Nationals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Drew Storen (22) douse chocolate syrup on pitcher Max Scherzer (31) after Scherzer pitched a complete game shutout at Miller Park. The Nationals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) flies out in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) flies out in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Paul Goldschmidt

After quietly punishing opponents for years as the Arizona Diamondbacks blundered through the NL West, Paul Goldschmidt is finally receiving the recognition he deserves.

The Diamondbacks still have a losing record, and will need a miracle to become a serious playoff contender, but Goldschmidt’s performance in 2015 has been so good that it is impossible not to notice the talented first baseman. He will be starting his second consecutive MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, the reward for an outstanding season in which he has entrenched himself as a legitimate Triple Crown threat.

Goldschmidt currently ranks first in the National League with a .340 batting average and is tied for the MLB-lead with 70 runs batted in. He has also belted 21 home runs on the season, good for fifth best in the league. This hitting prowess, combined with his elite defensive skills, have him in contention with Bryce Harper for the National League MVP Award.

In addition to these impressive hitting numbers, he has also showed top-notch speed for the first base position, swiping 16 bases on the year. As if that were not enough, his 5.6 wins above replacement are the third best in all of baseball.

Goldschmidt has established himself as one of the most versatile and talented players in the MLB with his performance this season, and at 27 years old, he is just entering the prime of what is shaping out to be an excellent career.

Next: Max Scherzer

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