Hunter Goodman: The Power-Hitting Catcher Who Could Be on the Move

Important Point: The Colorado Rockies are having a rough season, but they have a superstar catcher named Hunter Goodman who hits the ball really far. Three teams — the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees — might trade for him to boost their offense.

Who Is Hunter Goodman?

Imagine a baseball player who:

• Hits home runs like it’s his job (because it is!)
• Has been an All-Star two years in a row (2025 and 2026)
• Slugs the ball so hard he’s tied for 3rd in ALL of MLB with 31 home runs
• Is only 25 years old and under team control through 2029 (that’s like having a golden ticket for 5 more years!)

But there’s a catch (pun intended): He’s not the best at catching the ball behind the plate. Think of him like a designated hitter who also wears the catcher’s gear.

Why Would the Rockies Trade Him?

The Rockies are currently tied for the worst record in baseball (42-67). When a team is that bad, they often trade their good players to get younger talent (prospects) for the future. Goodman is one of their most valuable trade chips.

Top 3 Teams That Should Call the Rockies

1. Boston Red Sox

Current situation: Fighting for a playoff spot (57-51, winners of 20 of their last 23 games)

Why they need Goodman:

• Their offense has slumped badly
• Their catchers have combined for only 5 home runs and 33 RBIs all season (that’s really low)
• Boston ranks 28th in home runs, 24th in runs scored, 22nd in slugging percentage
• Goodman would be a monumental upgrade at the plate

But wait… Boston might stick with their current catchers (Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong) because they have good chemistry with the pitchers. Changing catchers mid-season can mess up the pitching staff’s rhythm.

2. Texas Rangers

Current situation: First place in AL West (55-54) — but they’re the only team in their division with a winning record

Why they need Goodman:

• Their catchers (Kyle Higashioka, Danny Jansen, Elias Díaz, Austin Wynns) have struggled mightily at the plate
• Goodman ranks in the 97th percentile in "barrel percentage" (that means he hits the ball perfectly on the sweet spot more than almost anyone)
• Last year he hit 31 HRs, drove in 91 runs, and slugged .520 — winning a Silver Slugger award
• He has FIVE multi-home run games this year, including two games with THREE homers!

The hesitation: Texas (and other teams) might see Goodman as a first baseman or DH long-term, not a catcher, because of his defensive struggles. Also, would adding him make them a true World Series contender, or just the "best of a bad division"?

3. New York Yankees

Current situation: Missing Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, AND Giancarlo Stanton due to injury

Why they need Goodman THE MOST:

• Their starting catcher, Austin Wells, is great at defense (7 DRS) but terrible at hitting (.162/.260/.273)
• Goodman would be their best-hitting catcher since prime Gary Sánchez
• He provides elite power when they desperately need it
• New York has creative ways to use both catchers:
  • Wells starts, Goodman DHs
  • Goodman catches early, Wells finishes games when they’re ahead
  • Rotate until Stanton returns

Trade package idea: Yankees could offer Luis Gil (2024 AL Rookie of the Year), Elmer Rodriguez, and catcher Ali Sánchez — pitchers who are blocked in NY but could start immediately in Colorado.

Bonus: When healthy, the Yankees have an elite rotation and a bullpen tied for MLB-best ERA (2.98). Adding Goodman makes a scary lineup terrifying.

Goodman’s Stat Line Cheat Sheet

Important Point: Goodman is an offensive unicorn at catcher. The defensive numbers aren’t pretty, but his bat is so good it might not matter.

Summary

• Hunter Goodman is a 25-year-old, two-time All-Star catcher for the terrible Colorado Rockies
• He mashes the ball (31 HRs, .545 SLG, .871 OPS) but struggles defensively
• Three perfect trade fits:
  1. Red Sox — need offense badly, but value pitcher-catcher continuity
  2. Rangers — need offense behind plate, but may view him as 1B/DH long-term
  3. Yankees — BEST FIT — desperate for power with 3 stars injured, have creative usage options, and can offer MLB-ready pitching prospects
• Any contender acquiring him gets a difference-making bat under team control through 2029

FAQ

Why would the Rockies trade a 25-year-old All-Star catcher?

Because they’re rebuilding! They have the worst record in baseball and need young pitching prospects. Goodman is their most valuable asset to get those pieces.

Is Goodman actually a good catcher defensively?

Honestly? No. He has -1 Defensive Runs Saved (tied for 57th) and only 10 runners caught stealing (tied for 21st). Teams see him as a bat-first player who can catch, not a catcher who can hit.

What does "under control through 2029" mean?

It means the team that trades for him doesn’t have to worry about him becoming a free agent for 5 more years. He’s affordable and locked in — huge value!

Why is the Yankees fit considered the "best"?

Three reasons: (1) They have the most urgent need with Judge/Bellinger/Stanton out, (2) They have a smart plan to hide his defense (platoon with Wells), and (3) They have exactly the kind of prospects Colorado wants (MLB-ready pitchers).

Could Goodman play a position other than catcher?

Yes! He’s already made 29 starts in right field, 10 at first base, and 5 in left field. Many teams view him as a future first baseman or DH who just happens to be catcher-eligible right now.

Final Thought: In baseball, elite power from the catcher position is rare as a unicorn. Hunter Goodman provides that. Whether he’s catching, DHing, or playing first base, the team that acquires him gets a middle-of-the-order wrecking ball for half a decade. The Yankees make the most sense, but Boston and Texas would be foolish not to at least call Colorado’s front office.