Hunter Goodman entered spring training back where he belonged, behind the plate, as a full-time catcher. He had hopes of becoming the full-time starter.
Goodman did better than that. On Sunday, he became an All-Star, and he’ll be the Rockies’ lone representative at the Midsummer Classic on July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Goodman was named as a reserve to the National League team via player balloting, becoming just the second Rockies catcher to be named an All-Star. Elias Diaz, selected in 2023, was the first. Diaz did the Rockies proud, winning the MVP award after hitting a two-run, pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning to lead the National League to a 3-2 victory over the American League.
“It was an awesome moment, and a blessing,” Goodman said after Colorado’s 6-4 win over the White Sox at Coors Field. “I can’t thank everybody around me enough for helping me get there.”
In Colorado’s dismal 2025 season, Goodman has been a shining light. And when manager Warren Schaeffer told the team of Goodman’s selection before Sunday’s game, the clubhouse erupted with cheers and good feelings.
“It was a great experience being around all the guys,” Goodman said. “We’ve been going through a rough season so far, but we have stuck together.”
Left fielder Jordan Beck, Goodman’s closest friend on the team, was thrilled.
“I’m pumped for him,” Beck said. “He’s my friend and roommate in spring training, too. Last year, if you paid attention enough, he was in and out of the lineup a lot, but when he got consistent at-bats, he did what he does. I’m so proud of him and hopefully we can get a few more guys in the next few years.”
Goodman, 25, is slashing .281/.326/.516 with 16 homers, 18 doubles, three triples, and 50 RBIs. Entering Sunday’s games, Goodman led all National League catchers in hits (86), home runs, total bases (158), and RBIs. Over the last five weeks, Goodman has been red hot, slashing .313/.347/.708 with seven doubles, two triples, nine home runs, and 19 RBIs.
Goodman’s 16 home runs are the most by a Rockies catcher before the All-Star break in franchise history, surpassing Wilin Rosario’s 14 home runs in 2012.
“This is, really, Hunter’s first full season behind the dish, and he’s taken to it, and he’s been great,” Schaeffer said. “I’m so proud of him and I’m so excited for Hunter and his family. It’s a big deal to be an All-Star. It’s a huge deal.”
During the offseason, the Rockies decided to make Goodman a full-time catcher, rather than having him also play outfield, and, on occasion, first base. He’s thrived in his new role and supplanted veteran Jacob Stallings early this season as the everyday catcher.
“I think we are seeing the player he is capable of being,” Schaeffer said earlier this month. “I am so thrilled for Hunter. You love to see a player get a real shot and take advantage of it.”
Earlier this season, Goodman told The Post that the responsibilities and the grind of catching make him a better hitter.
“Most days when I catch, the stuff I’m doing behind the plate is more important than the at-bats,” he said. “I’m thinking about working with the pitcher, I’m thinking about the team. It takes the pressure off me in the batter’s box. I’m not as worried about always coming through in those moments.
“I’m more relaxed because I feel like I know that when I’m doing my job behind the plate, then the hitting is a bonus. That’s kind of how I look at it.”
Asked Sunday who his favorite player was growing up in Memphis, Goodman said it was former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, a 10-time All-Star.
“My dog’s named after him,” Goodman said.
Asked if he might participate in the Home Run Derby on the night before the All-Star Game, Goodman played it coy.
“I don’t know, we’ll see,” he said.
Asked if he would be open to it, he grinned and said, “We’ll see.”
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