Paul Goldschmidt #46 of the St. Louis Cardinals
As the MLB offseason unfolds, the New York Yankees find themselves in a holding pattern, awaiting clarity on what will happen with Juan Soto. The 26-year-old slugger is expected to set a record for an everyday-player contract, and his potential move to a new team has the entire market in flux. But regardless of how the Soto situation plays out, the Yankees have a looming question to answer: who will fill the first base position for 2025?
While the Yankees have been linked to Mets star Pete Alonso in the past, those rumors have cooled, largely due to the team’s reluctance to make a long-term commitment to a first baseman. The Yankees envision moving star outfielder Aaron Judge to first base as he ages into his 30s, and they don’t want to lock into a position that might shift in the near future.
That leaves the Yankees with a potentially surprising solution: trading for or signing a veteran first baseman to serve as a short-term solution. Enter Paul Goldschmidt, the St. Louis Cardinals’ longtime star who could fill the gap at first base for the Yankees while also offering a potential rebound in 2025.
Goldschmidt’s Decline and the Yankees’ Gamble
Goldschmidt, the National League MVP just two seasons ago, has seen his performance decline in recent years. After posting an OPS of .981 in his MVP-winning 2022 campaign, his numbers dropped to .810 in 2023 and a career-low .716 in 2024. A key factor in his downturn has been an increase in strikeouts—he set a career-high with 173 K’s last season. The reality of aging in professional baseball is harsh, and Goldschmidt, now 37, is showing signs of wear and tear.
Despite the decline, Goldschmidt remains one of the best defensive first basemen in the game, having earned four Gold Gloves throughout his career. The Yankees are always looking to solidify their defense, and his skills at first base would be a valuable asset.
Analysts are predicting that Goldschmidt could be a potential fit for the Yankees, especially if the team is looking for a short-term solution rather than a long-term commitment. In a recent Bleacher Report piece, analyst Joel Reuter had Goldschmidt slated in the cleanup spot between Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, signaling that the Yankees are considering taking a gamble on a veteran who could benefit from playing alongside other big bats.
A Bargain on the Market
Given Goldschmidt’s declining numbers, it’s unlikely he will receive a long-term deal in free agency. However, some believe he could still be a bargain for a team like the Yankees, who are looking for a one-year stopgap solution. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, in ranking Goldschmidt as the No. 37 free agent, suggested that he could sign for a one-year, $18 million contract in 2025, hoping to bounce back from his mediocre 2024 performance.
McDaniel noted that Goldschmidt’s expected weighted on-base average (wOBA) was higher than his actual wOBA, which suggests that he hit the ball harder than his results indicated. He also made strides in the second half of the 2024 season, reducing his strikeout rate from 28% to 24% and improving his isolated power from .143 to .210.
At Spotrac, Goldschmidt is predicted to secure an even more affordable deal, with an estimate of one year at $12.3 million. If the Yankees can sign him to a contract in this range, it could be an absolute steal for a veteran looking to rediscover his form on a contender.
Why Goldschmidt Makes Sense for the Yankees
For the Yankees, signing Goldschmidt to a one-year deal offers multiple advantages. First, it provides a steady, reliable presence at first base for at least one more season without committing to a long-term solution that might conflict with their eventual plans for Aaron Judge. Second, the Yankees could benefit from Goldschmidt’s bat in the middle of the order, especially if his power numbers bounce back with the help of Yankee Stadium’s favorable dimensions.
In addition, Goldschmidt’s leadership and experience would be invaluable on a team that expects to contend in 2025. He’s been a consistent performer for over a decade and could help stabilize a position that has been in flux for the Yankees in recent seasons.
With the Yankees’ roster construction still in flux and the Juan Soto situation looming large, the pursuit of Paul Goldschmidt represents a low-risk, high-reward move for the Bronx Bombers. If Goldschmidt can even approach the form he showed in his MVP season, the Yankees could find themselves with a bargain at first base as they look to challenge for a championship in 2025.
