Credit: AP Photo

The San Diego Padres may be exploring a deal with Paul Goldschmidt for the 2026 season. 

In a report that came out late Thursday night, the San Diego Padres are linked loosely to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

The free agent first baseman is mentioned in a piece by Jon Heyman, who reports that a West Coast team is emerging as talks intensify with the Yankees and Goldschmidt.

There is no specific link to the Padres, but the two sides do match well.

https://t.co/rJKNrQqMLS Yanks may have competition for Goldy from West Coast team, plus notes on more NYY targets and Joey Gallo’s next step

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 6, 2026

The Padres are looking to fill out the roster, and Goldschmidt makes sense as the team lacks a true DH.

Gavin Sheets was indicated by manager Craig Stammen as the starting first baseman. Paul Goldschmidt would make an excellent platoon partner for the left-handed hitting Sheets since he smashed southpaw pitching. The Padres signed Miguel Andujar this week, who may also be able to play some first base in 2026. Jose Miranda may also factor at the first base position as well.

Paul Goldschmidt is a career .882 OPS player in more than 7,600 at-bats in the majors.

Last season, for the Yankees. Goldschmidt put up a .731 OPS in 146 games and 489 at-bats with the Bronx Bombers. Goldschmidt won an N.L. MVP award in 2022 with the Cardinals as he recorded a .981 OPS, 35 homers, and 115 RBIs. The seven-time MLB All-Star would bring instant credibility to the Padres’ lineup even though he is 37 years old.

He played the 2025 season on a one-year deal for $12.5 million. The thought is that he could be signed for less than that, but how much less?

The Padres are not exactly spending like they once did. If Goldschmidt intends to play for a winning team on the West Coast, the Padres are that option.

Can San Diego lure him away from the Yankees and solidify their bench?

Only time will tell.

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.

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