The Boston Red Sox are staring down a pivotal offseason, and one thing is clear: they need a bat-preferably one with pop and positional versatility. With Rafael Devers now in San Francisco and Alex Bregman testing the waters of free agency, there’s a noticeable power vacuum in Boston’s infield. And while the front office showed interest in big-name sluggers like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, both players ultimately landed elsewhere, leaving the Red Sox still searching for a middle-of-the-order presence.
Enter Paul Goldschmidt.
The veteran first baseman, now 15 seasons into a decorated MLB career, is being floated as a potential stopgap option for Boston. After signing a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the Yankees ahead of the 2025 season, Goldschmidt posted a .274/.328/.403 slash line with 42 extra-base hits and a 104 OPS+. Those numbers aren’t what they used to be-his slugging percentage was the lowest of his career-but there’s still enough in the tank to make him an intriguing option, especially given the Red Sox’s current situation.
Goldschmidt’s recent dip in power might actually work in Boston’s favor. With his market value down, the Red Sox could buy low and hope for a bounce-back.
If he rediscovers even a portion of his MVP-caliber form from 2022, it could turn into one of the savviest moves of the offseason. And if he doesn’t?
The financial hit is minimal.
There’s also a strategic fit here. Goldschmidt, a right-handed hitter, could platoon at first base with Triston Casas, a lefty bat with upside. That kind of pairing gives manager Alex Cora flexibility in matchups and lineup construction, especially against tough left-handed pitching.
While Schwarber and Alonso would’ve brought more immediate firepower, they also came with a hefty price tag-reportedly seeking deals in the five-year, $150 million range. That’s a long-term commitment for a team that’s still figuring out its identity under president Craig Breslow.
Goldschmidt, on the other hand, offers a short-term solution with high upside and virtually no long-term risk. A one-year, incentive-laden deal could be the perfect bridge to whatever comes next-whether it’s a splashier acquisition down the road or the emergence of a younger in-house option.
Let’s not forget: Goldschmidt’s résumé speaks for itself. Seven All-Star appearances, four Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and an MVP award in 2022.
He’s finished in the top 10 in MVP voting six times and has hit 20 or more home runs in 11 separate seasons. Even in decline, that kind of experience and pedigree can bring value-not just in the box score, but in the clubhouse.
The Red Sox are clearly feeling the heat. The fanbase is restless, the offense needs reinforcements, and the free-agent pool is thinning. Goldschmidt might not be the splashiest move, but he could end up being one of the smartest-especially if Boston is playing the long game.