Yankees Likely to Cut Ties With 7-Time All-Star In Favor of Ben Rice: Insider
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What does the future hold for New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt?
Goldschmidt's career was at a crossroads when he signed a one-year contract with the Yankees, coming off a steep decline in his final season with the St. Louis Cardinals. But although he hasn't rebounded to his 2022 Most Valuable Player form, it's clear the 37-year-old still has plenty to offer.
Goldschmidt can still pick it on defense, and though his .753 OPS is merely good, not great, he's one of the best platoon bats in the sport with a 1.193 mark against left-handed pitchers. Some team that struggles to hit southpaws will surely want to add him to their lineup.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 4: A detailed photo of the helmet of Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 4,...
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 4: A detailed photo of the helmet of Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 4, 2024, in New York, New York. (Photo by New) More
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But will the Yankees have any interest in a reunion? Don't count on it, says Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
On Friday, Bowden strongly insinuated that Goldschmidt would leave the Yankees in free agency this winter, due mainly to the emergence of 26-year-old Ben Rice as a starting-caliber first baseman.
"Goldschmidt's bat is less potent, but he still plays plus defense at first base and is a strong clubhouse presence," wrote Bowden. "He's hitting .276 with 26 doubles and 10 homers this season and has lowered his strikeout rate 7 percentage points compared to 2024. He'll likely be leaving the Yankees after one year because Ben Rice appears ready to take over first base full-time in 2026."
Rice, who has been starting half of the Yankees' games at catcher over Austin Wells of late, has a .783 OPS, 17 home runs, and an impressive 54.8% hard-hit rate this season. With five more years of team control, he's certainly a strong candidate to usurp Goldschmidt's job in a full-time capacity.
If that's the case, then Goldschmidt can simultaneously thank the Yankees for rejuvenating his career and try to make them look foolish for letting him go. After all, someone will want a seven-time All-Star in their clubhouse.
More MLB: Mets Predicted to Lose 5-Time All-Star Pete Alonso in Free Agency Surprise
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