The New York Yankees have reinforced their roster with the addition of former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt, who has agreed to join the club on a one-year contract worth $12.5 million. The deal, which fills the Yankees' need at first base, is contingent on Goldschmidt passing a physical. The veteran, 37, experienced a subpar season by his standards with a .245 batting average, but he did contribute with 22 homers and 65 RBIs, CBS News New York reports.
This agreement follows the Yankees' inability to sign Juan Soto, who chose to join the New York Mets with a significant deal. In response, the Yankees have been active in the off-season, securing signings like Max Fried, Devin Williams, and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, according to the New York Post. Bellinger, with experience at first base, is expected to see more playing time in the outfield following the acquisition of Goldschmidt.
Despite a dip in performance last season, Goldschmidt's metrics remained strong, with an average exit velocity of 91.2 mph and a hard-hit ball percentage of 49.6%, indicating his continued ability to make solid contact. The Yankees are likely anticipating an improvement in Goldschmidt's performance, similar to his post-All-Star break numbers last year, when he posted a .799 OPS over the final 62 games.
Goldschmidt, who replaces the departing Anthony Rizzo, brings significant experience to the Yankees' lineup, joining fellow MVPs Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger. Despite a career featuring seven All-Star selections and four Gold Glove awards, Goldschmidt recorded a career-low walk rate of 7.2 percent last year, and his overall defensive contribution was measured at zero outs above average for range.
With several infield positions still to be determined, the Yankees are considering whether to shift players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. to different positions or add new talent. They have internal second-base options in Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera, and veteran DJ LeMahieu, who is currently viewed more as a third-base option. While Yankees GM Brian Cashman has not ruled out re-signing Gleyber Torres, recent developments and acquisitions suggest it may be less likely.
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