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Paul Goldschmidt makes feelings clear on team running back same unit.
The New York Yankees are running back a very similar team in 2026 after losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in the playoffs.
New York was dominated in four games against the Blue Jays, and many Yankees fans called for changes. Yet, New York opted to run back a similar team, including bringing back first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
Although the Yankees are bringing back a similar team, Goldschmidt doesn’t think that is a bad thing.
“There are a lot of the same guys,” Goldschmidt said on Wednesday. “So if we play well, it’ll be a good thing. If we don’t, then it’ll probably be the reason that it’s said we didn’t play well. The expectations of this organization, whatever players are here, it’s to win a championship. That just needs to be the mindset.”
However, as Goldschmidt noted, if it doesn’t work out, then that will be the clear talking point for New York.
Goldschmidt, meanwhile, said he’s eager to return to the Yankees, as he wanted to return to New York to help the team win a World Series.
“I had such a good time here. I felt like I was hoping my time wasn’t done. And I’m glad it worked out that way,” Goldschmidt said. “I know this whole team has a goal of improving upon last year and bringing a championship back here to New York.”
Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $4 million contract that includes up to $2 million in performance-based incentives with the Yankees.
What is Goldschmidt’s Role With The Yankees?
New York bringing back Goldschmidt was a bit of a surprise, as Ben Rice was supposed to be the starting first baseman.
However, the expectation for Goldschmidt is to be a bench bat, but he will also see plenty of starts, according to manager Aaron Boone.
“I think he’s prepared for everything,” Boone said. “Obviously, Ben Rice has earned that next step, even after having (530) plate appearances last year. I’m hoping that goes up this year. But I see Goldy playing a big role, even if we are all healthy.”
Goldschmidt, meanwhile, is also happy for Rice as he believes the slugger can be an impact hitter for New York.
“He can be an All-Star and a great player,” Goldschmidt said. “I really didn’t know much about him coming in, but seeing him hit early on, I just realized he was a really smart hitter and a great hitter. As he got more of an opportunity to play defense, I think he did a good job over there and will even keep improving.
“I had a similar trajectory when I first got to the big leagues. Hopefully he’ll continue to improve and get better at all facets of the game. He’s a very smart player, very hungry and a hard worker. He definitely has the potential to do great things.”
Goldschmidt hit .274 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs last season.
Brian Cashman Doesn’t Believe New York is the Same Team
Although the Yankees didn’t make any major moves, general manager Brian Cashman doesn’t think it is the same team.
Instead, Cashman feels like it is a different team due to the additions they made at the trade deadline, and getting some players back from injury.
“We added weapons at the deadline. All that will serve us well,” Cashman said. “So, I disagree that it’s the same team; there are going to be some differences. The competition is going to be different, too. Some teams got better, and other teams you could argue maybe got worse. Our division is the best in baseball. Long story short, one series make-or-break isn’t going to define what we think our capabilities are.”
Regardless, the Yankees have the best odds in the AL to win the World Series.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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