The New York Yankees are on the lookout for a solution at first base, with former MVP Paul Goldschmidt emerging as a top option.
After signing left-handed starter Max Fried to a $ 218 million contract and making trades for Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams, the Yankees are still exploring additional moves.
Max Fried recently shared insights into his choice to join the Yankees, and interest in adding Goldschmidt is increasing. Jon Heyman from The New York Post reported on Saturday that Goldschmidt is expected to make a decision soon.
Heyman also noted that the Yankees are once again in competition with the New York Mets for Goldschmidt’s services, following their successful recruitment of 26-year-old Juan Soto to a $ 765 million deal. Other teams in the running for Goldschmidt include the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners, as he is reportedly looking for a short-term contract.
The 2022 National League MVP, Paul Goldschmidt, had a subpar season in 2023, achieving career-low stats with a .245/.302/.414 batting line, 22 home runs (excluding 2020), and a 98 OPS+. However, he rebounded in the second half of the 2024 season, posting a .799 OPS compared to a .664 OPS in the first half.
Although Goldschmidt may not be the Gold Glove-level defender he once was, his defensive metrics, such as Statcast’s Outs Above Average (OAA), ranked around the league average, which would still improve the Yankees’ first base situation.
If the Yankees acquire Goldschmidt, they could provide Ben Rice the chance to platoon and grow in the position.
However, the Yankees will face strong competition for the former MVP’s signature.
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