Niko Goodrum

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Niko Goodrum

|image=Niko Goodrum, Jace Peterson (41073340334) (cropped).jpg

|caption=Goodrum with the Detroit Tigers in 2018

|position=Utility player

|team=

|number=

|bats=Switch

|throws=Right

|birth_date={{birth date and age|1992|2|28}}

|birth_place=Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 2

|debutyear = 2017

|debutteam = Minnesota Twins

|debut2league= KBO

|debut2date = July 21

|debut2year = 2023

|debut2team = Lotte Giants

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate = May 13

|finalyear = 2024

|finalteam = Los Angeles Angels

|final2league= KBO

|final2date = October 10

|final2year = 2023

|final2team = Lotte Giants

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .224

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 42

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 152

|stat4label = Stolen bases

|stat4value = 47

|stat2league = KBO

|stat21label = Batting average

|stat21value = .295

|stat22label = Home runs

|stat22value = 0

|stat23label = Runs batted in

|stat23value = 28

|teams=

Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2017}})
Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2021}})
Houston Astros ({{mlby|2022}})
Lotte Giants ({{kboy|2023}})
Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2024}})
Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2024}})

}}

Cartier Niko Goodrum (born February 28, 1992) is an American former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Los Angeles Angels. He also played in the KBO League for the Lotte Giants. Goodrum played every fielding position in his major league career except pitcher and catcher.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/goodrni01.shtml|title=Niko Goodrum - Baseball Reference page|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=December 15, 2021}}

Career

=Minnesota Twins=

Goodrum attended Fayette County High School in Fayetteville, Georgia. The Minnesota Twins selected Goodrum in the second round, with the 71st overall selection, of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/high-school/major-league-teams-extend-lovefest-with-georgia-pl/nQgg4/|title=Major-league teams extend lovefest with Georgia players|work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=October 29, 2014}} He signed, receiving a $514,800 signing bonus, and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Twins of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/101051749.html|title=Twins 2010 draft update|work=Star Tribune|access-date=October 29, 2014}}

With the Elizabethton Twins of the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2011, Goodrum had a .275 batting average.{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/143551716.html|title=Checking on players on the other side of camp|work=Star Tribune|access-date=October 29, 2014}} For the Cedar Rapids Kernals of the Single–A Midwest League in 2013, Goodrum batted .260. In 2014, Goodrum played for the Fort Myers Miracle of the High–A Florida State League, where he batted .249 with 3 home runs and 49 RBI's and he transitioned from shortstop to third base.{{cite web|url=http://www.news-press.com/story/sports/2014/04/27/miracles-niko-goodrum-coming-short-third/8331075/|title=Miracle's Niko Goodrum not coming up short at third|author=David Dorsey|date=April 27, 2014|work=The News-Press|access-date=October 29, 2014}} Goodrum spent 2015 with both Fort Myers and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double–A Southern League, where he posted a combined .232 batting average with nine home runs and 38 RBIs.

Goodrum began the 2017 season with the Rochester Red Wings of the Triple–A International League.{{cite web|url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/baseball/minors/2017/08/05/niko-goodrum-showing-off-his-versatility-red-wings/542999001/ |title=Niko Goodrum showing off his versatility with Red Wings |publisher=Democratandchronicle.com |date= |access-date=June 14, 2018}} The Twins promoted him to the major leagues on September 1, 2017.{{cite web|last=Velle |first=La |url=http://www.startribune.com/hector-santiago-s-season-over-for-twins-who-recall-three-players/442471413/ |title=Buxton 'progressing' with injured wrist; enters as pinch runner |publisher=StarTribune.com |date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=June 14, 2018}} He was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple–A on November 3. He elected free agency three days later.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2017|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2017/?amphtml|access-date=April 26, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 7, 2017 |language=en}}

=Detroit Tigers=

Goodrum signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers on November 25, 2017. The deal included an invitation to the Tigers' 2018 spring training camp.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-sign-blaine-hardy-avoid-arbitration-c262402316|title=Tigers sign Blaine Hardy, avoid arbitration|website=Major League Baseball|language=en-US|access-date=November 25, 2017}} After a strong spring season, which included hitting four home runs, Goodrum made the Tigers' 25-man opening day roster.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2018/03/tigers_niko_goodrum.html |title=Niko Goodrum ready to be jack of all trades for Tigers in 2018 |publisher=MLive.com|last=Woodbery |first=Evan |date=March 27, 2018 |access-date=March 28, 2018}}

Goodrum hit his first major league home run on April 5, 2018, off Joakim Soria of the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/niko-goodrum-tigers-spoil-white-sox-opener/c-270972974 |title=Tigers rally late, spoil White Sox home opener |work=MLB.com |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=April 5, 2018 |access-date=April 6, 2018}} On May 14, he hit two home runs while driving in five in a 6–3 Tigers win over the Cleveland Indians.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/niko-goodrum-hits-2-homers-as-tigers-top-tribe/c-276735522 |title=Goodrum's 2 homers help Tigers solve Tribe |work=MLB.com |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=May 14, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2018}}

Goodrum finished the 2018 season with a .245 batting average, 16 home runs, 53 RBI, and 12 stolen bases, while playing six positions in the field (all four infield positions, plus left field and right field). He was awarded the 2018 Detroit Tigers Rookie of the Year Award in voting by members of Detroit Sports Media Association.

In a May 31, 2019, game against the Atlanta Braves, Goodrum went 5-for-5 with a double and two home runs. He became the first Tigers player to go 5-for-5 with at least three extra-base hits and two home runs in a game since Dmitri Young in 2003, and the first Tigers shortstop to collect five hits in a game since Alan Trammell in 1987.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/niko-goodrum-posts-five-hit-game-vs-braves |title=Goodrum has 'superhuman' game in hometown |work=MLB.com |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=June 1, 2019}} He also was the first player to have five hits while playing for the first time in his home state since Ohio-born Pete Susko did so for the Washington Senators at Cleveland in 1934.{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/05/31/detroit-tigers-atlanta-braves-score/1307963001/ |title=Tigers' Niko Goodrum mashes Braves in happy homecoming, 8-2 win |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |first=Anthony |last=Fenech |date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=May 31, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401075589 |title=Goodrum's 2 homers, 5 hits lead Tigers past Braves 8-2 |work=ESPN.com |date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=May 31, 2019}} Goodrum was placed on the 10-day injured list on August 24 due to an adductor strain.{{cite web|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/08/24/detroit-tigers-niko-goodrum-aggravates-groin-placed-injured-list/2105301001/ |title=Tigers' Niko Goodrum aggravates groin, placed on injured list |newspaper=The Detroit News |first=Chris |last=McCoskey |date=August 24, 2019 |access-date=August 28, 2019}} He did not return the rest of the season. For the year, Goodrum hit .248 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI in 423 at-bats.

Overall with the 2020 Detroit Tigers, Goodrum batted .184 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 43 games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/niko-goodrum-592348|title=Niko Goodrum Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com|access-date=November 22, 2021}}

On January 15, 2021, the Tigers and Goodrum agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million contract, avoiding arbitration.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/detroit/story/tigers-avoid-arbitration-with-all-8-remaining-players-011621#:~:text=DETROIT%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Detroit,%245.3%20million%20salary%20last%20season. |title=Tigers avoid arbitration with all 8 remaining players |website=foxsports.com |date=January 16, 2021 |access-date=January 18, 2021}} Goodrum played 90 games for the 2021 Tigers, batting .214 with 9 home runs, 33 RBI and 14 stolen bases.{{Cite web |title=Niko Goodrum Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/niko-goodrum-592348 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} The Tigers removed Goodrum from the 40-man roster following the 2021 season. On November 19, 2021, Goodrum cleared waivers and elected free agency.{{Cite web|last=McCosky|first=Chris|title=Tigers let Niko Goodrum become free agent, clear spots for two prospects|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2021/11/19/tigers-let-niko-goodrum-become-free-agent-clear-spots-two-prospects/8686803002/|access-date=November 20, 2021|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US}}

=Houston Astros=

On March 15, 2022, Goodrum signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Houston Astros.{{Cite news |first=Brian |last=McTaggart |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/niko-goodrum-headed-to-astros-on-1-year-deal |title=Goodrum to bring his versatility to Astros |website=MLB.com |date=March 15, 2022 |accessdate=May 29, 2022}} He batted .116 in 15 games for Houston before they optioned him to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2022/05/mr-versatility-with-detroit-tigers-niko-goodrum-loses-his-big-league-spot.html | title=Mr. Versatility with Detroit Tigers, Niko Goodrum loses his big-league spot | date=May 15, 2022 }} On September 1, Goodrum was designated for assignment.{{cite magazine |last=Vita |first=Jack |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/houston-astros-call-up-prospects-hunter-brown-and-yainer-diaz |title=Houston Astros call up prospects Hunter Brown and Yainer Diaz |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=September 1, 2022 |access-date=September 3, 2022}} He cleared waivers and became a free agent on September 3.

=Boston Red Sox=

On December 21, 2022, Goodrum signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization.{{cite news |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/red-sox-sign-utility-man-200636073.html |title=Red Sox sign utility man Niko Goodrum to minor league deal |website=NBC Sports |via=Yahoo! |first=Justin |last=Leger |date=December 21, 2022 |accessdate=December 21, 2022}} He began the 2023 season with the Triple–A Worcester Red Sox, playing in 65 games and hitting .280/.448/.440 with 8 home runs, 36 RBI, and 7 stolen bases. On July 3, 2023, Goodrum exercised the opt–out clause in his contract and was released by the Red Sox.{{Cite web|title=Niko Goodrum: Exercising opt-out clause|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/niko-goodrum-exercising-opt-out-clause/|access-date=July 3, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=July 3, 2023 |language=en}}

=Lotte Giants=

On July 11, 2023, Goodrum signed a $400,000 contract with the Lotte Giants of the KBO League.{{Cite web|title=Lotte Giants sign ex-MLB player Niko Goodrum|url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230711007400315|access-date=July 11, 2023|website=m-en.yna.co.kr|date=July 11, 2023 |language=en}} In 50 games for the Giants, Goodrum hit .295/.373/.387 with no home runs and 28 RBI.

=Tampa Bay Rays=

On December 14, 2023, Goodrum signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{Cite web|title=Twins' Niko Goodrum: Signs minors deal with Twins|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-niko-goodrum-signs-minors-deal-with-twins/amp/|access-date=December 21, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On March 27, 2024, after exercising the upward mobility clause in his contract, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays and added to their 40–man roster.{{Cite web|title=Tampa Bay Rays Acquire Veteran INF in Trade with Minnesota Twins|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/tampa-bay-rays-acquire-veteran-infielder-niko-goodrum-in-minor-trade-with-minnesota-twins|access-date=March 27, 2024|website=si.com|date=March 27, 2024 |language=en}} In 9 games for the Rays, he went 3–for–16 (.188) with no home runs or RBI. Goodrum was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay on May 6.{{Cite web|title=Rays Designate Niko Goodrum, Select Edwin Uceta|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/rays-designate-niko-goodrum-select-edwin-uceta.html|access-date=May 6, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 6, 2024 |language=en}}

=Los Angeles Angels=

On May 9, 2024, Goodrum was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels.{{Cite web|title=Angels Claim Niko Goodrum|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/angels-claim-niko-goodrum-waivers-rays.html|access-date=May 9, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 9, 2024 |language=en}} In four games for the Angels, Goodrum went 0–for–13 with two walks and one stolen base.

On June 10, 2024, Goodrum was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Claim Niko Goodrum From Angels|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/pirates-claim-niko-goodrum-from-angels.html|access-date=June 10, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He did not appear in a game for the organization before he was designated for assignment on June 14.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Designate Niko Goodrum For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/pirates-designate-niko-goodrum-for-assignment.html|access-date=June 14, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} Goodrum elected free agency after clearing waivers on June 17.{{Cite web|title=Niko Goodrum: Hitting open market|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/niko-goodrum-hitting-open-market/amp/|access-date=June 18, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On June 28, 2024, Goodrum signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.{{Cite web|title=Orioles sign Niko Goodrum and Burch Smith, plus other notes|url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/orioles-sign-niko-goodrum-and-burch-smith-plus-other-notes|access-date=June 28, 2024|website=masnsports.com|language=en}} In 43 games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, he batted .291/.369/.466 with four home runs, 28 RBI, and six stolen bases. Goodrum elected free agency following the season on November 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}

=New York Mets=

On January 17, 2025, Goodrum signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres organization.https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-01-17 He was released prior to the start of the season on March 21.https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-03-21

On April 2, 2025, Goodrum signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.{{Cite web|title=New York Mets add two infielders on minor league deals|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/new-york-mets-add-two-infielders-on-minor-league-deals-logan9|access-date=April 2, 2025|website=si.com|language=en}} In 12 appearances for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, he batted .229/.391/.400 with one home run, three RBI, and two stolen bases. On April 23, Goodrum retired from professional baseball.{{Cite web|title=Former Padres Infielder Announces Sudden Retirement From MLB|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/padres/san-diego-padres-news/former-padres-infielder-announces-sudden-retirement-from-mlb-01jsq3b2wpmr|access-date=April 28, 2025|website=si.com|language=en}}

Personal life

Goodrum's father, Tim, played college football for Fort Valley State University.

On June 11, 2018, during the Flint water crisis, Goodrum donated 1,440 cases of water to support the residents of Flint.{{cite web|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/06/09/detroit-tigers-niko-goodrum-flint-water-crisis/687823002/ |title=Detroit tigers Niko Goodrum Flint water crisis |publisher=Detroitnews.com |date= |access-date=June 14, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2018/06/detroit_tigers_player_niko_goo.html |title=Detroit Tigers Niko Goodrum gives away bottled water in Flint |publisher=MLive.com |date= June 11, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2018}}