Rockies' Surprise Star: Hunter Goodman's All-Star Rise!

Hunter Goodman's emergence as the Colorado Rockies' starting catcher and an All-Star selection has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 MLB season. Just months ago, projections had him battling for a backup role, but Goodman's performance has shattered expectations.

From Backup to All-Star: Goodman's Transformation

Goodman's journey to All-Star status is a testament to his hard work and adjustments at the plate. Early in the season, he was known for his aggressive approach, swinging at a high percentage of pitches outside the strike zone. As FanGraphs noted, his chase rate was among the most extreme in baseball. However, Goodman recognized the need to refine his approach.

“Starting the year, I was trying to be aggressive and trying to see where I was at,” Goodman explained. “It’s like everything else; the more you get going, the more things start to calm down. Over the season, it’s gotten better. Being in the lineup every day has helped a lot with my timing.”

Impressive Stats and Impact

The results of Goodman's adjustments are undeniable. He's currently slashing .277/.325/.517 with 17 home runs and a 120 wRC+ in 345 plate appearances. His 52 RBI lead all catchers in the National League. His performance has been a bright spot for a Rockies team struggling through a difficult season.

• Batting Average: .277
• Home Runs: 17
• RBI: 52 (NL Leading Catcher)
• wRC+: 120

Goodman's success has also complicated the Rockies' catching plans, leading to Jacob Stallings' release. Goodman's unexpected rise has solidified his place as the team's primary catcher and a key component of their future.