The New York Yankees agreed to a 1-year $12.5 million contract with First Baseman Paul Goldschmidt on Saturday. The 2022 National League MVP is coming off the worst season of his career in 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He hit .245 with 22 home runs and 65 RBI. According to MLB researcher Sarah Langs, the 2025 New York Yankees will be the seventh team to have four+ former MVPs appear for them in a season. He joins Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger in that regard.
Goldschmidt will replace Anthony Rizzo at first base for the New York Yankees in 2025. “Goldy” will look to regain his MVP form and showcase to the rest of the league he is deserving of a long-term contract when becoming a free agent again next offseason. How will this deal work out for both sides?
What Will Goldschmidt Bring To the New York Yankees?
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $12.5 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Goldschmidt adds a strong veteran bat to deepen the Yankees’ lineup. First on the news was @JackCurryYES.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2024
Even though New York was left at the altar in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, Goldschmidt is a solid consolation prize. He will look to protect reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge this season. Goldschmidt joins a New York Yankees offense that was one of the best during the regular season. They were top 10 in many offensive metrics including batting average, OBP, home runs, and runs scored. Their offense dried up in the MLB Playoffs as they were sixth in batting average.
New York was one of the league’s worst teams in terms of first base production as they were 27th in batting average, 25th in home runs, and 20th in RBI. There is vast room for improvement for the New York Yankees at that critical position in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Goldschmidt joins a revamped New York roster that includes Starting Pitcher Max Fried, Center Fielder Cody Bellinger, and Relief Pitcher Devin Williams. New York is not resting on their laurels after making it to the World Series for the first time since 2009 and losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. Goldschmidt is one of the best players of his generation and will look to find the fountain of youth in New York.
