(Image Source – Getty Images) Paul Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the New York Yankees before the 2025 season after a disappointing final year with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024, when he posted career lows of .245/.302/.414 with a .716 OPS. He opened the season as the Yankees’ starting first baseman after the team lost Juan Soto to the New York Mets.By midseason, Goldschmidt shifted into a platoon role, with left-handed hitter Ben Rice drawing more starts against right-handed pitching. The Yankees carried that setup into the playoffs, though Goldschmidt moved to the bench after the Wild Card Series.
Why the Re-Signing makes sense for the New York Yankees
The Yankees’ lineup leans heavily left-handed, with hitters such as Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Austin Wells, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ryan McMahon, and Ben Rice. General manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have repeatedly emphasized the need for better balance. Goldschmidt fits as a reliable right-handed bat who has consistently handled left-handed pitching, giving Boone more flexibility with matchups.Rice posted stronger overall numbers than Goldschmidt in 2025, batting .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs across 530 plate appearances. His struggles against left-handed pitching stood out, however, as he hit .208/.271 with seven home runs in 119 plate appearances. Goldschmidt’s success against lefties allows the Yankees to limit Rice’s exposure in those situations while still maximizing his production against right-handers.Goldschmidt also provides depth at designated hitter when Giancarlo Stanton needs rest and can fill in at first base when Rice is catching alongside Wells. Defensively, Goldschmidt recorded minus-3 Outs Above Average in 2025, but his experience remains valuable in a limited role.Boone and several Yankees players praised Goldschmidt throughout 2025 for his professionalism, leadership, and clubhouse presence. He served as a first-base mentor to Rice, who was adjusting to the position during his second full major-league season after being drafted as a catcher. Goldschmidt also made the U.S. World Baseball Classic roster for the third time and continues to be well respected around the league.
Decision to return to New York Yankees
Goldschmidt passed on a more lucrative offer from another team to remain with the Yankees. At 38, he is no longer performing at the level he reached during his 2022 NL MVP season, but the one-year deal allows New York to retain a veteran right-handed hitter in aThe New York Yankees are finalizing a one-year contract with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, 38, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on February 6, 2026. The 2022 NL MVP returns after hitting .274/.328/.403 with 10 home runs in 2025, excelling against lefties (.336/.411/.570). This move adds a reliable right-handed bat for platoon balance in a lefty-heavy lineup, while providing veteran leadership and depth at first base and DH. (58 words) platoon-friendly role without a long-term commitment.Also Read: Boston Red Sox sign reliever Kyle Keller to minor league deal with spring training invite after four seasons in Japan