The New York Yankees were seen as the favorites to land first baseman Christian Walker in free agency this winter. This came after the Bronx Bombers decided to decline the club option attached to veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo's contract.
Ultimately, it was the Houston Astros that signed Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal. Many were left confused as to how or why the Yankees couldn't have matched that number to bring the Gold Glove first baseman to the Bronx.
Just a day after Walker agreed to terms on a deal with the Astros, the Bronx Bombers have found their Rizzo replacement.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Yankees and free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt have agreed to terms on a one-year, $12.5 million deal.
"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," ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote in a post to X/Twitter on Saturday afternoon.
Goldschmidt, 37, slashed .245/.302/.414 in a roller-coaster season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024. He still slugged 22 home runs and 33 doubles in the campaign.
The former MVP joins Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger as major offseason acquisitions for the Yankees, all of which came as part of an emergency backup plan to losing superstar Juan Soto.
Signing a first baseman for just $12.5 million opens the door for general manager Brian Cashman to make a huge move at third base, with Alex Bregman being the likely dream target.
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