The New York Yankees and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt were a surprisingly good pairing last season, but it’s been tricky to figure out their odds of a new deal in free agency all winter.
Yes, Goldschmidt achieved all of his accolades, including seven All-Star selections and a Most Valuable Player Award, before coming to the Yankees as a 37-year-old. But he was still one of the most productive hitters in all of baseball against left-handed pitching last season, posting a .981 OPS in 168 plate appearances.
However, the Yankees have Ben Rice primed to take over the starting first base job against all right-handed pitchers, and maybe some lefties as well. If the Yankees brought Goldschmidt back, it would be in a short-sided platoon role, which wouldn’t mean much playing time, though that seems to be the case just about anywhere he would sign.
On Thursday, insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees remained in the mix to sign Goldschmidt, but also that another team had emerged as a potential threat for the 15-year veteran: the San Diego Padres.
“Paul Goldschmidt remains a Yankees possibility, but they may have competition. The Padres could emerge as a potential landing spot for Goldy,” Heyman wrote.
“The Yankees should be appealing, though. Goldschmidt surely wants a chance to win a ring, and even by running it back, they are an (American League) favorite. And Arizona, where he lives after starting his career (with the Arizona Diamondbacks), appears out now that it’s adding Carlos Santana.”
San Diego, which lost first baseman Luis Arraez to the San Francisco Giants in free agency, reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with former Yankees standout Miguel Andujar earlier this week. Andujar and Goldschmidt would have similar platoon roles, but at different positions, as the former will likely play either corner outfield or designated hitter.
At this point, it seems to come down to how much the Yankees want Goldschmidt back. He’d cost a decent amount, though likely less than the $12 million he signed for last year, but his veteran leadership and prolific abilities against lefties might prove a worthwhile investment.
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