The Yankees are rolling the dice on a familiar name - and hoping there's still some thunder left in his bat.
Late Thursday night, New York officially brought back veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal. The financials haven’t been disclosed yet, but the message is clear: the Yankees believe there’s still something left in the tank for the 38-year-old slugger, even after a tough 2025 campaign.
A Rough 2025, But a Proven Track Record
Let’s not sugarcoat it - Goldschmidt is coming off the worst full season of his career. He managed just 10 home runs and 45 RBIs over 146 games, numbers that fall well short of what we've come to expect from the former MVP. His power seemed to fade, and his overall production dipped in a way that raised eyebrows around the league.
But this is Paul Goldschmidt we’re talking about - a player who’s built a résumé that demands a second look, even after a down year.
The Resume Still Speaks Volumes
Goldschmidt’s career arc is one of sustained excellence. He broke into the league with Arizona, where he quickly became the face of the franchise, before heading to St.
Louis and continuing to rake. His peak came in 2022, when he was crowned National League MVP while with the Cardinals.
That year, he hit .317 with 35 home runs, 41 doubles, and 115 RBIs - a season that also saw him lead the league in slugging (.578) and OPS (.981). He was worth 7.7 wins above replacement (bWAR), putting him firmly among the game’s elite.
And it wasn’t a one-year wonder. Goldschmidt has hit 30 or more home runs in a season seven times.
He’s a seven-time All-Star with 372 career homers, 1,232 RBIs, a .288 batting average, and a .378 on-base percentage across 15 seasons. That’s the kind of production you don’t just forget how to deliver - even if Father Time is lurking in the on-deck circle.
More Than Just a Bat
While his offensive output has defined his career, Goldschmidt’s glove shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s a four-time Gold Glove winner at first base, and even if he’s not flashing the same range he had in his prime, he still brings a steady, reliable presence in the field.
For a Yankees team that already boasts elite talent - including Aaron Judge, who’s claimed three of the last four AL MVP awards - Goldschmidt doesn’t need to carry the lineup. What he can do is lengthen it.
If he finds even a fraction of his old form, he becomes a dangerous bat in a lineup that already has plenty of firepower. If not, his defense and veteran leadership still provide value.
A Smart, Low-Risk Move
Coming off a 94-win season and a disappointing early playoff exit, the Yankees are clearly looking to fine-tune rather than overhaul. Bringing back Goldschmidt on a short-term deal fits that mold. There’s no long-term risk, and the potential reward - a bounce-back season from a former MVP - is too good to ignore.
This isn’t about chasing nostalgia. It’s about a team with championship ambitions looking for an edge. And if Goldschmidt can find his swing again in the Bronx, that edge might just become a blade.