This offseason, the Yankees made an intriguing move by signing 37-year-old first baseman for $12.5 million in 2025. While his best years may be behind him, Goldschmidt represents a clear upgrade over Anthony Rizzo, who earned $17 million last season but struggled to produce.
The Yankees are counting on Goldschmidt to rediscover his form and provide much-needed stability at a position that has been a weakness for the team in recent years.
Still Productive Despite Decline
Goldschmidt is just two years removed from his MVP-winning 2022 campaign, where he hit .317/.404/.578 with 35 home runs, 115 RBIs, and a stellar 175 wRC+. However, his performance has dipped over the past two seasons.
In 2024, Goldschmidt posted a .245/.302/.414 slash line with 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a league-average 100 wRC+. His 1.1 WAR marked the lowest full-season total of his career. Despite these declines, his underlying metrics hint that he still has value to offer.
Although his power numbers have dipped, Goldschmidt ranked in the 92nd percentile for hard-hit rate last season, proving he can still make solid contact. While his waning plate discipline is a concern, a fresh start with a competitive team like the Yankees could help him rediscover some of his past form.
Defensive Reliability
In addition to his offensive upside, Goldschmidt remains a steady presence on defense at first base. Though no longer at his Gold Glove peak, his experience and leadership should help solidify the Yankees’ infield, especially as the team integrates younger players into key roles. His defensive dependability will be an asset on the right side of the field.
Low-Risk, High-Reward Investment
The Yankees are making a calculated bet on Goldschmidt, but the modest financial outlay makes this move a clear win on paper. At $12.5 million, they’re paying substantially less than what they gave Rizzo in 2024 while likely upgrading at the position. The savings from this deal also provide the Yankees with added flexibility to address other areas of need, further enhancing the value of Goldschmidt’s acquisition.
