by The Yankees are in the market for a first baseman and it appears they have a target in mind Paul Goldschmidt.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Bryan Hoch and John Denton report that the Yankees’ interest in the 2022 NL MVP is “increasing rapidly.” With Christian Walker After signing a three-year, $60 million contract with the Houston Astros on Friday, first basemen’s options are dwindling.
Although Pete Alonso is an option, the Yankees are looking for “lower priced options” like Carlos Santana and Goldschmidt. However, MLB.com adds that the 37-year-old Goldschmidt is seeking a multi-year deal, which could provide some respite for the Yankees.
Since winning the NL MVP in 2022, Goldschmidt’s offensive production has plummeted to career lows. In 154 games last season, Goldschmidt hit .245/.302/.414 – all career lows – while hitting 22 home runs and recording 65 RBI, his lowest marks since 2014.
MLB.com also adds that the Diamondbacks are interested in reuniting with Goldschmidt following Walker’s reported signing. The veteran first baseman played his first eight years in Arizona, earning six All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers during that time.
And then there’s another aspect of the potential Goldschmidt-Yankees marriage involving the first baseman’s former teammate in St. Louis.
The Cardinals want to trade Nolan Arenado and MLB.com reports that Goldschmidt’s move to the Yankees could prompt the veteran third baseman to waive his no-trade clause to the team in the Bronx.
The Yankees reportedly approached St. Louis about a possible deal for Arenado early in the offseason, but talks died down when the Cardinals showed no interest in acquiring him Marcus Stroman’s contract.
Stroman is expected to make about $18.3 million in 2025 and has a vesting option of the same amount in 2026 if he throws 140 innings next season.
Arenado, entering his age-34 season, has three years and $74 million left on his contract, but the Rockies – who traded him to St. Louis – must pay $10 million while another $12 million US dollars will be deferred. This essentially drops Arenado’s exposure to about $60 million over the course of those three years.
However, Arenado would have to agree to any deal. And we saw the third baseman not reach a deal with the Astros earlier this week. According to MLB.com’s reporting, the Cardinals would have returned an additional $15 million to $20 million in this proposed trade.
Earlier this offseason, Arenado reportedly gave the Cardinals a list of teams he would waive his no-trade clause for. These teams included the Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies and Padres.
It was also reported that the Yankees felt Arenado was “not a fit” for their roster next season. Circumstances change when needs arise, and Arenado would fit well as a Gold Glove third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to his natural position at second base.
However, Arenado’s offensive numbers declined last season. The eight-time All-Star hit just 16 home runs for the Cardinals in 2024, his fewest since his rookie season in 2013. The troubling blackout also produced a .719 OPS and 71 RBI, his lowest full-season totals since 2014.
However, he was an All-Star in 2023, where he slashed .266/.315/.459 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI, so perhaps there is still some life left in Arenado’s bat, and if suiting up for a contending team, will that come to light.
If the Yankees got Goldschmidt and Arenado, their infield would be filled Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells and Chisholm occupies the rest of the diamond.
