Hunter Goodman's Rise to All-Star Status in 2025

In a season marked by challenges for the Colorado Rockies, one player has emerged as a beacon of hope and a legitimate All-Star candidate: Hunter Goodman. The 25-year-old, selected in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, has transformed from a versatile prospect into the team’s offensive cornerstone in 2025, showcasing a blend of power, consistency, and adaptability that has fans and analysts buzzing about his potential to represent the Rockies at the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hunter Goodman being interviewed in 2025 / Photo credits: MLB.com

Goodman’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. Through mid-June, he leads the Rockies in key offensive categories, including a .285 batting average, 14 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a .522 slugging percentage. His ability to deliver extra-base hits—33 in total, including 16 doubles and three triples—has made him a standout among National League catchers. Goodman tops all NL catchers in hits (77) which also leads all catchers in baseball, home runs, RBIs, and total bases (141), making him as one of baseball’s elite offensive backstops.

His journey to All-Star contention is even more impressive given his positional shift. Originally an outfielder, he transitioned to catcher full-time during the 2024 offseason, a move that raised some eyebrows but has paid dividends. His defensive growth behind the plate, combined with his offensive prowess, has solidified his role as the Rockies’ everyday catcher. Goodman’s .444 batting average, three home runs, and 10 RBIs during the 2025 Cactus League showcased his readiness for the role, earning him a spot on the Opening Day roster. Interim manager Warren Schaeffer has praised Goodman’s impact, calling him “our best hitter, bar none.” His ability to handle the demands of catching while maintaining elite offensive production sets him apart. Goodman’s road splits are particularly noteworthy: through 38 away games, he’s slashing .299/.336/.597 with 20 extra-base hits, proving that he can have success outside the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.

As of the first fan voting update for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, Goodman ranks fifth among NL catchers with 247,914 votes, trailing the likes of Will Smith and J.T. Realmuto but holding his own against established names. Goodman’s emergence as an All-Star candidate is especially significant for a Rockies team struggling with a 16-57 record, 2nd worst in the modern era through 72 games. His performances offer a silver lining, giving fans a reason to stay engaged with a team in the midst of a rocky rebuild.

Some are beginning to compare Goodman’s 2025 season to the greatest by a Rockies catcher in franchise history. Before Elias Díaz earned an All-Star nod in 2023, no Rockies catcher had represented the team in the All-Star Game. Goodman’s current pace—on track to set franchise records for catchers in home runs, RBIs, and extra-base hits—has sparked discussions about his place in the team's history. His ability to combine power with a high batting average and improved plate discipline (despite occasional strikeouts) underscores his potential to redefine the position for Colorado.

Whether he earns a spot in the 2025 All-Star Game or not, Goodman’s emergence as a marquee catcher signals a bright future for both him and the Rockies. As the team navigates a difficult season, Goodman’s dazzling offense and growing defensive acumen provide a foundation to potentially build around. For a franchise searching for its next cornerstone, Hunter Goodman is proving he’s more than just an All-Star candidate—he’s a potential game-changer.