Veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is finalizing a one-year contract to return to the New York Yankees, according to sources, reuniting him with the team after a productive 2025 season. This move reinforces the Yankees’ strategy of retaining key players as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and confirmed by CBS Sports, involves Goldschmidt, 38, who is expected to sign imminently. He will primarily serve as a backup to young first baseman Ben Rice and start against left-handed pitchers, leveraging his strong performance against southpaws last season where he posted a .981 OPS. In contrast, his OPS against right-handers was .619, highlighting the platoon role he is likely to fill.
During the 2025 season, Goldschmidt appeared in 146 games for the Yankees, batting .274 with a .328 on-base percentage and .403 slugging percentage. His season was characterized by drastic splits, making him a valuable asset in specific matchups, particularly as a part-time starter or pinch-hitter. By midseason, he transitioned to a platoon role as Rice established himself against right-handed pitchers, but Goldschmidt remained effective against lefties with a 169 Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), ranking fourth in the majors.
A seven-time All-Star and the 2022 National League MVP, Goldschmidt brings extensive experience from his tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks. His leadership and professionalism were consistently praised by Yankees manager Aaron Boone and teammates, contributing positively to the clubhouse environment. Additionally, he mentored Rice at first base, helping the younger player adapt to a position he had limited experience with before his rookie season.
For the Yankees, re-signing Goldschmidt is part of a broader effort to maintain continuity from last year’s roster, having also brought back players like Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham. Notably, the team has yet to sign a major league free agent from another club this offseason, focusing instead on internal reinforcements. Other moves include acquiring left-hander Ryan Weathers and selecting right-hander Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 draft.
As spring training approaches, Goldschmidt’s addition addresses the need for right-handed power and veteran depth on the bench. He will compete for one of the Yankees’ four bench spots alongside players such as catcher J.C. Escarra and utilitymen Amed Rosario and Oswaldo Cabrera. His ability to contribute against lefties and provide mentorship is seen as a key asset for the team’s 2026 campaign.
Looking ahead, this one-year deal offers the Yankees flexibility for future roster adjustments while aiming for postseason success. Goldschmidt’s role, though reduced, could be pivotal in tight games, and his presence may help stabilize the infield as the team navigates a competitive American League East. The move underscores a focus on role-specific contributions rather than major offseason overhauls.
