The Arizona Diamondbacks are moving in a new direction at first base, signing veteran Carlos Santana to a free agent deal and, in the process, likely closing the door on a potential reunion with franchise icon Paul Goldschmidt.
Goldschmidt, now 38, spent the first eight years of his big league career in Arizona, where he became the face of the franchise and one of the most feared right-handed bats in the National League. During that stretch, he racked up six All-Star nods and three top-three finishes in MVP voting. His resume in the desert is the kind that earns you a plaque someday-and a deep connection with a fanbase that still holds him in high regard.
But Arizona’s decision to go with Santana over Goldschmidt raises some eyebrows. Statistically, it’s a curious move.
In 2025, Goldschmidt posted a 104 OPS+, showing he still had something left in the tank, especially against left-handed pitching-where he slashed a sharp .336/.411/.570. Santana, meanwhile, put up a 77 OPS+ last season, a significant drop-off in offensive production.
From a pure numbers standpoint, Goldschmidt offered more at the plate.
Still, the D-backs opted for Santana, perhaps signaling a desire to shift away from nostalgia and focus more on clubhouse fit or defensive versatility. Whatever the reason, it’s clear Arizona is turning the page.
Which brings us to the Yankees.
Goldschmidt spent 2025 in the Bronx, where he filled the role of primary first baseman and delivered solid production against lefties. He signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal last offseason, and it’s expected he wouldn’t command nearly as much this time around. New York, meanwhile, is still shopping for a right-handed bat to pair with Ben Rice at first base.
Rice, a promising young lefty, is expected to get the bulk of the playing time at first-even against southpaws. But there’s a case to be made for bringing Goldschmidt back, not just as a platoon option, but as a mentor.
Goldschmidt has four Gold Gloves to his name and a wealth of experience at the position. Rice, for all his upside, has logged just 719 innings at first base in the majors-a relatively small sample when you’re talking about anchoring the infield in the Bronx.
Goldschmidt wouldn’t need to be an everyday player. But in a limited role-spot starts against lefties, late-game defense, and veteran leadership-he could bring real value. Especially in a clubhouse that’s trying to blend youth with championship expectations.
So while Arizona has made its choice, the Yankees still have a decision to make. Goldschmidt may no longer be the MVP-caliber slugger he once was, but there’s still a role he can play-particularly for a team with October ambitions and a young first baseman who could use a steady hand beside him.