Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt may be one of the brightest young players in Major League Baseball. The third-year first baseman was not considered to be a top 100 prospect entering his rookie year, but he quietly increased his production for two straight seasons, before having a breakout year in 2013. The young Goldschmidt is now on everyone's radar after coming in second during last year's MVP race and leading the National League in home runs with 36 long balls.

Goldschmidt and the Diamondbacks will open up 2014 on March 22 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Sydney, Australia, in a historic move that will put America's favorite pastime on the global stage. Let's take a closer look at Goldschmidt's home run futures odds with picks, predictions and analysis.

Paul Goldschmidt 2014 MLB Home Run Crown Story Lines

Goldschmidt is a star in the making and will probably continue on the uptrend, simply because he is still on a rookie contract-he made $500,000 last season-and needs to continue his stellar play in order to earn one of those massive, life-changing contracts. The third-year player will enter the season with all the motivation and drive in the world. The question now is if Goldschmidt can life up to the enormous hype.

Goldschmidt had a massive 2013 ranking in the top three in the NL in home runs, RBIs, runs, walks, and slugging percentage. The first baseman produced solid numbers during the first two years of his major league career, but he really took off last season for Arizona. The slugger played 160 games and became a rock for a struggling Diamondbacks franchise.

The Diamondbacks are sitting near the bottom of the Word Series futures odds at +6000 and are expected to be a middle-of-the-pack team at best. Last season Arizona finished the year with an 81-81 record and was nine games behind the final wild cardspot in the NL. However, no matter how well the team may or may not play this season, Goldschmidt will be primed to repeat his gaudy stats from 2013 while batting in the heat of the lineup.

Paul Goldschmidt 2014 MLB Home Run Crown Betting Odds and Key Stats

Goldschmidt is currently receiving +1500 home run odds at Sportsbook.ag and is fifth on the futures list behind some of MLB's biggest hitters. The first baseman had a huge 2013 and hit 36 home runs, drove in 125 RBIs over 602 at bats in 160 games played throughout the season. Goldschmidt also produced 182 hits with a .302 batting average and .401 on-base percentage.

In his previous two years in the league, 2010 and 2011, Goldschmidt hit 28 home runs combined with a total of 108 RBIs in 193 games played. Over his first three years Arizona's young player has hit 64 home runs and 233 RBIs with a batting average of .289.

Paul Goldschmidt MLB Home Run Crown Picks and Predictions

Wagering on young players with a lot to prove is always an excellent way to make a profit on sports. Goldschmidt is a talented prospect, and last year's production was just the tip of the iceberg. Arizona may be sitting on baseball's next star. Expect the first baseman to increase his numbers yet again in 2014 and probably end up with over 40 home runs this season.

Getting +1500 futures odds is an excellent wager to make on the young player who showing loads of value at that price. Especially compared to other players in the home run race that are coming off injury or a decline in production. Goldschmidt might be the best home run futures play to make.

Try $60 worth of member's baseball picks absolutely free with no obligation and no sales people. Your $60 in free MLB picks are here.

Read more articles by George Monroy