The New York Yankees missed out on re-signing outfielder Juan Soto. However, general manager Brian Cashman has followed that disappointment by making several roster moves. Could first baseman Paul Goldschmidt be his next target?
New York has already signed starting pitcher Max Fried to a $218 million deal, along with swinging trades for closer Devin Williams and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Initial reports said Bellinger would play center field upon arriving in the Bronx. The 2019 National League MVP Award winner's primary position is still to be determined, though.
If Bellinger slots into center field and Aaron Judge moves to right field, Cashman's focus should shift to the infield. First base has been a hot topic for the Bombers since it was a black hole in 2024 regarding production. The Yankees' collective -1.1 WAR at that position was among the worst in baseball, according to FanGraphs.
New York has been linked to top free agents Pete Alonso and Christian Walker, but Goldschmidt would be an interesting target on a short-term deal. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand mentioned the 2022 NL MVP Award winner as an option for the Yankees following the Bellinger trade.
"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 wrote.
Spotrac is projecting a one-year, $12.3 million contract for Goldschmidt, who posted a .716 OPS with 22 home runs and 65 RBI through 654 plate appearances in 2024.
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