The Yankees are in the market for a first baseman and it appears they have their eyes on Paul Goldschmidt.
Mark Feinsand, Bryan Hoch and John Denton of MLB.com report that the Yankees’ interest in the 2022 NL MVP is “increasing rapidly.” With Christian Walker Signing with the Houston Astros on Friday to a three-year, $60 million contract, options for first basemen are dwindling.
Although Pete Alonso is an option, the Yankees are looking for “less expensive options” like Carlos Santana and Goldschmidt. However, MLB.com adds that Goldschmidt, 37, is seeking a multi-year contract, which could cause a pause for the Yankees.
Since winning the NL MVP in 2022, Goldschmidt’s offensive production has fallen to a career low. In 154 games last season, Goldschmidt slashed .245/.302/.414 – all career lows – while hitting 22 homers and producing 65 RBIs, his lowest numbers since 2014.
MLB.com also adds that the Diamondbacks are interested in a Goldschmidt reunion following the reported signing of Walker. The veteran first baseman played his first eight years in Arizona, amassing six All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers during that span.
And then there’s an added wrinkle to the potential Goldschmidt-Yankees marriage involving the first baseman’s former teammate in St. Louis.
Cardinals looking to trade Nolan Arenado and MLB.com reports that the addition of Goldschmidt to the Yankees could prompt the veteran third baseman to waive his no-trade clause to the Bronx team.
The Yankees reportedly approached St. Louis earlier in the offseason about a possible deal for Arenado, but discussions waned once the Cardinals showed no interest in taking him. Marcus Stroman’the contract.
Stroman is expected to make around $18.3 million in 2025 and has a vesting option worth the same amount in 2026 if he pitches 140 innings next season.
Arenado, who enters his season at age 34, has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract, but the Rockies – who traded him to St. Louis – are due to pay $10 million while another $12 million are deferred. That essentially reduces the commitment to Arenado to about $60 million over those three years.
However, Arenado would have to approve any deal. And we saw the third baseman reach a deal with the Astros earlier this week. As part of this proposed trade, the Cardinals would have paid between $15 million and $20 million more, according to information from MLB.com.
Earlier this offseason, Arenado reportedly gave the Cardinals a list of teams he would waive his no-trade clause to. These teams included the Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies and Padres.
It was also reported that the Yankees felt Arenado was ‘not a good fit’ for their roster next season. Circumstances change as needs arise and Arenado would be a good fit as a Gold Glove third baseman to allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to his natural position at second base.
However, Arenado’s offensive numbers declined last season. The eight-time All-Star has hit just 16 home runs for the Cardinals in 2024, the fewest since his rookie season in 2013. The worrisome blackout also yielded a .719 OPS and 71 RBI, his lowest mark on a full season since 2014. .
He was, however, an All-Star in 2023, where he slashed .266/.315/.459 with 26 homers and 93 RBIs, so maybe there’s still some life left in Arenado’s bat and competing for a contending team will make him stand out. .
If the Yankees got Goldschmidt and Arenado, their infield would consist of Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells and Chisholm handling the rest of the diamond.
