Goldschmidt’s Home Run Drought Continues Despite Solid Batting Average

BALTIMORE — Paul Goldschmidt is experiencing an unusual home run drought this season, despite maintaining a robust batting average. The Yankees first baseman went deep into the fifth inning against Orioles right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano on Monday night but was denied a home run by a spectacular catch from center fielder Cedric Mullins.

“I knew I hit it good,” Goldschmidt said. “I knew it was going to be close.” The ball appeared to have home-run distance but Mullins made a leaping catch at the wall to save two runs and keep Goldschmidt’s home run total at just one, which came in the second game of the season.

That lone homer was part of a historic performance where the Yankees hit nine home runs in a 20-9 victory over the Brewers. Goldschmidt, who is currently hitting .361, is second in the American League in batting average, trailing only Aaron Judge’s .405.

Despite his solid start, Goldschmidt has not homered in 27 games, marking a significant slump. His last home run was on March 30, and he has gone without one for over 119 plate appearances, leading to speculation about his power.

“I don’t think I’ve lost my power,” Goldschmidt said. “It’s just a matter of timing and getting a good pitch to hit.” Yankees manager Aaron Boone supported him, noting Goldschmidt has hit two balls off the top of the wall this season and is still making good contact.

Goldschmidt is known for being a streaky power hitter, having gone through similar slumps earlier in his career. He admitted he didn’t realize the extent of his current drought but remains focused on his hitting approach rather than the results.

“You can’t force the result. Get in the cage and work on the right things, and try to have a good approach in the box,” Goldschmidt said.

Even with the home run dry spell, his batting average has made the situation easier to handle. Goldschmidt emphasizes that he is focused on the aspects of the game he can control, looking forward to the day the home runs will come again.

“I just keep working on what I can control, and the results will follow,” he concluded.