Paul Goldschmidt Quickly Forcing Yankees to Consider Risky Move
Former NL MVP and seven-time All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has spent the 2025 season doing everything the New York Yankees wanted and needed.
What sounds like great news now could cause problems for 2026.
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Goldschmidt continued his resurgent campaign Wednesday, slamming a pinch-hit, game-tying home run in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners. MVP frontrunner Aaron Judge gave the Yankees a 3-2 lead one inning later, helping the Bronx Bombers to a win and another series victory.
It's been the latest big hit for Goldschmidt, who joined the Yankees on a one-year, $12.5 million contract in December. Goldschmidt enters the weekend batting .346 with five home runs, 22 RBI, and a .902 OPS. He's already matched last year's bWAR (1.3) and is well on pace for his eighth All-Star Game.
Goldschmidt's .346 average ranks fourth among qualified players, and only 10 have a higher on-base percentage than his .395. Not bad for someone who turns 38 in September.
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Unfortunately for Goldschmidt and the Yankees, age could pose a serious issue come the offseason. Goldschmidt has been a major reason why an injury-plagued Yankees team holds a 3.5-game lead in the AL East and remains on track for their third division title in four years.
However, Goldschmidt is also months away from turning 38. At some point, the Yankees must decide if extending Goldschmidt is the right move, especially if this season proves to be an aberration.
New York Yankees first baseman Paul GoldschmidtEd Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Last season mostly marked Goldschmidt's worst numbers in a full season, understandable given his age and workload. Although his 22 home runs were his fewest since mashing 19 in 2014, it's also worth noting he only played 109 games that year. Goldschmidt only missed eight games for the Cardinals a year ago.
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Barring any massive roster moves, young slugger Ben Rice has positioned himself to start at first base in 2026. The Yankees still have a Giancarlo Stanton-sized problem at designated hitter, and there are no indications Rice will start seeing reps at third base.
What does all of that mean for Goldschmidt? Luckily for the Yankees, they have time before needing to find the answer, though Goldschmidt is certainly making it difficult to easily part ways.
Related: Yankees Facing Major Jazz Chisholm Decision After Oswaldo Cabrera Injury
Related: Yankees All-Star's Son Sends Clear Paul Skenes Message After Loss to Mariners
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