The New York Yankees failed to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto. However, general manager Brian Cashman has responded to that disappointment by making significant personnel changes. Could first baseman Paul Goldschmidt be his next target?
New York has already signed starting pitcher Max Fried to a $218 million contract, as well as making trades for closer Devin Williams and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. According to initial indications, Bellinger would play centre field upon arrival in the Bronx. However, the major position of the 2019 National League MVP Award winner has yet to be selected.
If Bellinger starts in centre field and Aaron Judge switches to right field, Cashman’s attention should shift to the infield. First base has been a major topic for the Bombers ever since it became a production black hole in 2024. The Yankees’ aggregate -1.1 WAR at that position was among the lowest in baseball, according to FanGraphs.
New York has been linked to top free agents Pete Alonso and Christian Walker, but Goldschmidt might be an interesting short-term option. Following the Bellinger deal, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand suggested that the Yankees consider the 2022 NL MVP Award winner. “By adding Bellinger’s $27.5 million salary in 2025 (of which the Cubs will cover $2.5 million), the Yankees might look at lower-cost alternatives than Christian Walker or Pete Alonso, with other first basemen including Carlos Santana and Paul Goldschmidt among their potential free-agent targets,” Feinsand speculated. Spotrac predicts a one-year, $12.3 million contract for Goldschmidt, who had a.716 OPS with 22 home runs and 65 RBI in 654 plate appearances in 2024.
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