The New York Yankees are about to welcome back Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year contract. Exact salary details aren’t out yet. With a full roster, they’ll need to make adjustments soon.
This will be Goldschmidt’s second season with the Yankees. Last year, he played as the main first baseman after signing a $12.5 million deal. This season, though, his role might change. He could be in a platoon with Ben Rice, who had a standout year, hitting 26 home runs with a solid batting average of .255.
Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star and former MVP, had his struggles last season. He started strong but ended on a low note, with his performance slipping significantly in the latter part of the year. His stats showed he hit .336 against left-handed pitchers but only .247 against right-handers. This pattern could affect his playing time this year, especially with Rice’s good performance.
At age 38, some might think Goldschmidt’s best days are behind him. Yet, he still brings experience and a strong presence both on and off the field. His leadership is valued, and he recently secured a spot on the U.S. World Baseball Classic roster for the third time.
Interestingly, Goldschmidt chose the Yankees despite reportedly getting better offers from other teams, showing his desire to stay in New York. The Padres might have been in the mix, but the Yankees clearly won out.
The Yankees have a left-heavy lineup, so adding a right-handed bat like Goldschmidt is a strategic move. General Manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have expressed interest in balancing the lineup, and Goldschmidt can provide that alongside utility player Amed Rosario.
As the Yankees prepare for the new season, they also face challenges with roster spots. With Goldschmidt’s return, it’s possible that young talent like Jasson Domínguez may start the season in Triple-A as the team hones in on the best fit for their roster.
Financially, the Yankees are navigating the competitive balance tax after last year’s high payroll. They will face a hefty tax this season, which is about $330 million before the Goldschmidt deal, reflecting the pressures and complexities of building a winning team.
While Goldschmidt’s performance may fluctuate, his impact on the team could be significant, especially if managed well. With a mix of experience and youth, the Yankees will aim for success in the coming season.
For further insights into MLB contracts and team strategies, you can check out ESPN’s analysis for the latest updates.
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